Recovering a loaded handgun from a high school student resulted in a Sheriff's School Resource Officer earning the Officer of the Month award from Ford of Murfreesboro for March, said Sheriff Robert Arnold.

SRO James Goney received information about a student accused of possibly having drugs at a Stewarts Creek High School. After contacting the student, SRO Goney recovered a stolen, loaded handgun and drug paraphernalia from the student.

"SRO Goney kept the students safe," Sheriff Arnold said. "I commend him for taking quick action."

Owner David Lee of Ford of Murfreesboro presented SRO Goney with an engraved watch for his efforts.

"SRO Goney's actions prevented what could have been a very bad situation at Stewarts Creek High School," Lee said. "We really appreciate his incredible efforts."

SRO Sgt. Scott Culp said SRO Goney's investigation also resulted in solving several home burglaries.