La Vergne, TN - In a heartwarming display of compassion and community support, School Resource Officers (SROs) Cody Didier and Jeremy Gregory from La Vergne High School stepped in to assist a homeless 17-year-old student in need.

 

The young student had been living in his van, facing the challenges of homelessness, when the school's ATLAS coordinator became aware of his situation in January. Although she found a shelter willing to accommodate him, the student encountered a hurdle - his van wouldn't start, leaving him unable to drive to the shelter.

 

Quick to lend a helping hand, Didier and Gregory jumped into action. They attempted to jump-start the van with jumper cables, only to realize that the alternator was failing to keep the battery charged. Undeterred, Deputy Didier reached out to the local Auto Zone in La Vergne, where the manager generously donated a replacement alternator after learning about the student's plight.

 

With the new alternator in hand, the school's students, along with Didier and Gregory, worked together to install it, ensuring the van would run smoothly once again. However, their acts of kindness didn't stop there. Upon noticing the van's gas gauge showing empty, they selflessly pitched in their own money to fill up the tank, ensuring the student had the means to travel to and from school safely.

 

Their remarkable efforts did not go unnoticed. SRO Sgt. John Acton commended Didier and Gregory for exemplifying the highest standards of honor and dedication to duty within the Sheriff’s Office and the School Resources Officers’ Division.

 

Rutherford County holds a proud legacy as the first law enforcement agency in Tennessee to deploy school resource officers in county schools over 30 years ago. Beyond their law enforcement duties, SROs play a vital role in mentoring students, teaching classes, coaching, and actively participating in school events, exemplifying a commitment to fostering a safe and supportive educational environment for all students.

 

In the face of adversity, the kindness and generosity of individuals like SROs Didier and Gregory serve as a beacon of hope and solidarity within the community, reaffirming the unwavering spirit of compassion that thrives within La Vergne High School and beyond.