MURFREESBORO, TN — A unique community fundraiser is set to serve up support for local students, as the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer (SRO) Division prepares to host its first annual pickleball tournament to help students who cannot afford new back-to-school clothing... That was SRO Sam Trubee. You can sign-up through the link on the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Facebook page (or HERE).
The SRO Pickleball Tournament will take place Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Boro Pickleball, located at 605 River Rock Blvd. in Murfreesboro. Youth divisions will play from 8:00 a.m. to noon, followed by adult play from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Teams of two may register for $50, and organizers say all proceeds will go directly toward purchasing new school clothes—particularly for middle and high school students in need.
Participants can register and pay using the QR code featured on the event flyer. According to organizers, first- and second-place prizes will be awarded, adding a competitive incentive to the charitable cause.
- Listen to our recent interview with Rutherford County SRO's HERE.
School Resource Officers play a critical role within Rutherford County Schools, serving not only as law enforcement officers but also as mentors, advisors, and educators. Assigned full-time to schools, SROs undergo extensive specialized training and work daily to build trust with students, promote safety, and provide early intervention when concerns arise.
Beyond security, SROs frequently engage with students through classroom presentations on topics such as drug education, law enforcement, citizenship, and crime prevention. Their involvement extends into extracurricular activities, parent-teacher meetings, and school events—helping strengthen relationships between students, families, and law enforcement.
The SRO program has a long history locally. It was first introduced in Rutherford County in 1993 under former Sheriff Truman Jones with just five officers. Today, SROs serve in all 50+ county schools, reinforcing safety while remaining accessible resources for students and staff.
Those seeking additional information about the tournament may contact Sam Trubee at 615-203-4862 or by email at strubee@rcsotn.org. Organizers hope the community will come out, compete, and help ensure students start the school year with confidence—and new clothes.
