District has new resource officer

The Kirtland Police Department has hired former Patrol Officer William Bauckman to fill the role of school resource officer for Kirtland Schools.

Bauckman, a Kirtland resident for the past decade, took over the role from Officer Al Taddeo who recently retired.

“Officer Al Taddeo did an amazing job as the Student Resource Officer for many years at Kirtland Local Schools,” said Schools Super intendent C ha d VanArnhem in a news release. “While interviewing to fill the position after Officer A l retired, we wanted to find someone that could make the same personal connection with students, staff and the community.

“I feel very confident that Officer Bill Bauckman will fill that role extremely well,” VanArnhem added.

“He is already connected in the community and has spent years in the police department teaching. We feel that his experience with educating others will be a tremendous asset while also ensuring the safety of our students and staff.”

Bauckman served 20 years in the U.S. Army Reserves, including over a year in combat stationed in Iraq, the release stated.

His law enforcement career started at the Cleveland Police Department in 1994, and he began his role as a certified instructor for the Cleveland Police Academy in 2000.

In that position he taught multiple topics, including firearms, defensive tactics and subject control.

He also trained recruits at Cuyahoga Community College and Lakeland Community College.

Bauckman has two children that attend Kirtland Elementary School.

Bauckman began his new position on Oct. 12.

SUBMITTED Kirtland Police Officer William Bauckman