South Central Reporter

After serving the community and school district his entire career, Taylorville Community Unit School District 3's School Resource Officer Brian Thomas has hung up his badge for the last time.

Thomas officially retired at the end of the 21-22 school year, according to a school board meeting, streamed live May 17 on YouTube. 

"Brian Thomas and his team got a standing ovation," Dr. Chris Dougherty, superintendent for Taylorville CUSD 3 said during the meeting. "Safety in our schools is absolutely paramount in the world that we live in. It terrifies schools and leaders, and having Brian on campus and his eyes on us at all times really gave us a level of security and communication that kept staff, students, and the community safe."

During the meeting, Dougherty invited Thomas to come back to the high school to have a meal in the cafeteria any time he wants. Thomas was well liked by everyone at the high school.

Dougherty also welcomed Allan Mills as the district's new school resource officer, according to the meeting. Mills, a certified juvenile officer, grew up in Taylorville and attended the police academy at the University of Illinois. He also has a degree from the Lincoln Land Community College. Mills has served the Taylorville community for 18 years. 

During his introduction, Mills told the school board he had "some big shoes to fill" and emphasized that it's his belief school should be where children feel both safe and secure. He told the board he wanted to interact with the students and try to make the schools a safer place, according to the meeting.