When Adam Deckard walks the halls of the Jasper County schools, it’s clear he isn’t just a law enforcement officer. He's someone who, with each step, brings an unmistakable sense of safety, guidance, and connection. As Jasper County’s School Resource Officer (SRO), Adam Deckard is making an impact that ripples well beyond keeping the school safe. He's a protector, a role model, and a man with deep roots in public service—a person who wholeheartedly believes in his mission to serve and protect.

This is the first year for Adam as Jasper County Schools’ SRO, and it’s a new chapter in his 18-year career in law enforcement. His journey started at the University of Illinois Police Training Institute back in 2006, and after years of service at Villa Grove and the Newton Police Department, Adam made the transition to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office earlier this year. But the real motivation for his move was to take on the role of School Resource Officer. "I’ve always wanted to work in law enforcement," he says. “Since high school, I knew it’s what I wanted to do.”

Now, working as the SRO, he’s not only protecting the students but also becoming an integral part of the district’s daily life. “My first priority is the safety of the kids and staff,” Adam says, his dedication evident in every word. But his role goes far beyond just being a police presence. As he patrols the schools, he builds relationships with the students, staff, and community members. He’s there to help with safety concerns—like gently reminding students not to leave doors propped open—but he also makes it clear that his primary job isn’t to “police” the students. Instead, he focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment where students can feel comfortable approaching him if they need help.

On any given day, Adam can be found moving between schools. "I like to keep it random," he explains, never sticking to a set schedule so that he’s always unpredictable. Whether he's starting his day at the elementary school or spending the afternoon at the high school, his goal is to stay visible and approachable—never far from wherever he's needed most. It’s clear that Adam’s presence gives parents and the community peace of mind. "When I talk to the public, I sense a relief that someone is in the school looking out for the kids," he notes.

But being a school resource officer is just one aspect of Adam’s long-standing commitment to public service. Growing up in Oblong, he always had public service on his mind. His father was the coroner of Crawford County and a volunteer firefighter, so Adam was constantly surrounded by individuals dedicated to serving their communities. Before law enforcement, Adam worked on a hog farm during high school and got his EMT license while attending college. “I knew I wanted to do something in public service, and law enforcement felt like the right fit,” he says.

Adam’s connection to the district runs deep—not only does he serve the schools professionally, but his three children, Karly, Ethan, and Chloe, all attend Jasper County schools. Karly, a junior, has been interviewed for the ‘Fly Together’ magazine before, and Adam's pride in his family is palpable. His wife, Robin, is a physical therapy assistant who commutes to work in Champaign two days a week. “We keep busy, but I’m so proud of all of them,” Adam smiles, showing the same kind of care and love he brings to his role in the schools.

In addition to keeping the school safe, Adam takes time to engage in meaningful moments with the students. On September 11th, he sat in on a fifth-grade class discussion about the 9/11 attacks, participating in a touching tribute led by the teacher. He was reminded of his own experiences working as an EMT on that fateful day, and it further solidified his commitment to his role as an SRO—because while the world can sometimes feel dangerous and unpredictable, people like Adam are here to keep our communities, and especially our schools, safe.

“Being an SRO isn’t just about law enforcement. It’s about being a trusted adult that students can turn to, someone they can talk to, someone who’s looking out for them,” Adam says. And it’s clear that both the school district and the community are better off with him in this role.

In a time when the role of a School Resource Officer has never been more critical, Adam Deckard shows what it means to go beyond just the badge. He’s building relationships, creating trust, and most importantly, ensuring that the students of Jasper County have a safe place to learn and grow.