Robbie Woodruff

1. Getting to Know the Officer

I’ve been with the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office for 20 years, having started in January 2006. Becoming a police officer has been a dream of mine since childhood. I’ve always had a passion for helping others and serving my community.

Something that might surprise people about me is that I collect Mad magazines and Kentucky Derby glasses! Three words people might use to describe me are reliable, trustworthy, and funny.

2. Life as a School Resource Officer

At first, I was hesitant to become a School Resource Officer (SRO), but now I feel like I’ve found my calling. I genuinely enjoy working with students. They teach me a lot and certainly keep me on my toes!

One of the biggest misconceptions about being an SRO is that it’s an office job. In reality, I average more than 15,000 steps a day checking doors to ensure they’re secure, walking the hallways and parking lots, interacting with students, and directing traffic.

Also, people may not realize that my responsibilities don’t end when the school day is over. I receive many phone calls during evenings and weekends. Officers notify me when my students are involved in traffic stops or serious situations. Student and staff safety is always my top priority, even when I’m off duty.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is mentoring students throughout their high school years. It’s especially meaningful when I run into former students in the community, and they’re eager to share their adult successes. Many of these conversations have a common theme: students tell me they appreciate how firm I was with them in high school because it helped them make better choices later in life. Knowing that I’ve made a positive difference in their lives makes the job especially rewarding.

3. Quick Hits: Let’s Have Some Fun!

• Coffee or energy drinks? Coffee!
• Early bird or night owl? Early bird.
• Favorite school lunch? Thanksgiving dinner! Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a roll!
• Favorite high school subject? Math.
• Favorite sports teams? IU and UofL basketball.
• Country, rock, or something else on the radio? I enjoy a variety of music!
• Favorite movie or TV show? Back to the Future and The Big Bang Theory.
• One word to describe your school? Amazing!
• Who is more likely to get recognized in the hallway—you or the principal? Me! (But only because our principal is new this year!)
• What’s one thing students would say you’re known for? The community probably recognizes me most for directing traffic, while students know me for being firm but fair—and for occasionally sporting Jordan sneakers with my uniform!
• If you could give students one superpower, what would it be? The ability to believe in themselves!