Rockwood Hires New School Safety Officer

At the June 17 meeting, the Rockwood Board of Education approved the hire of Kelly Murray as a new school safety officer for the district. He replaces Zeus Hernandez, who has taken a position outside of Rockwood.

Murray will work alongside Rockwood's other three school safety officers -- Joseph Early, Mark Tinkham and David Weiss -- with the primary focus of covering elementary schools within their assigned quadrant, though they may be called upon to assist at other schools or buildings.

A 37-year veteran of the Ellisville Police Department, Murray said he is excited to begin working with Rockwood students, staff members and families.

"Working with the kids, the teachers, it’s fantastic," Murray said. "The kids, it’s neat to fist-bump, shake hands, had a couple hugs my first day. That’s awesome. It’s so rewarding to come back to something like that."

Rockwood first implemented school safety officers in 2023. They are armed, assigned a district vehicle that is marked as Rockwood security, and one safety officer has elementary schools as his primary focus in each of the district's four quadrants. Rockwood currently has 13 school resource officers (SROs) who are assigned to district middle and high schools but are available to assist at elementary schools within their jurisdiction. 

Our safety officers help Rockwood fulfill our "Safe and Caring Schools" goal area outlined in our new strategic plan, "Forward Together," as we strive to create a safe, inclusive school community by continuing to enhance consistent school security.

Murray said his mother worked in the Fort Zumwalt School District, and he already has familiarity with Rockwood schools in Ellisville and Ballwin thanks to performing walkthroughs over his years on the police force.

"Rockwood staff is amazing. They’re great people," he said. "I’m getting out to all of the Rockwood elementary schools, going inside, making introductions and having everyone get to know who I am. I’m looking forward to it. If anybody needs anything, we’re always available."