Attorney General Moody Announces 2024 Florida School Resource Officer of the Year

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today announced the 2024 Florida School Resource Officer of the Year, Columbia County Sheriff Deputy Scott Ceckanowicz. Dep. Ceckanowicz has served as an SRO for six years, is described by peers as being exceptionally attentive and demonstrates a keen awareness of the needs and concerns of both students and staff alike—volunteering after hours to help with school projects. 

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “School resource officers have a very important role in the safety and wellbeing of our students. The 2024 Florida School Resource Officer of the Year, Deputy Ceckanowicz, goes above and beyond to protect the children where he serves and ensures they have the tools they need to succeed in and out of the classroom. His dedication to the school he serves is unmatched and I am grateful for his service and the example he sets for our students.”

Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter said, “Deputy Ceckanowicz’s dedication to our School Resource Unit and his passion for students is beyond measure. Everything he does for these kids, he does from the heart, not from obligation, and in doing so, strengthens the trust between the students and law enforcement.”

Known as Deputy Chewy to the students at Melrose Elementary, Dep. Ceckanowicz became a law enforcement officer in 2000 and began working at the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office 13 years ago.

Through steady support and encouragement, Dep. Ceckanowicz creates a positive and nurturing environment for students. Each morning, Dep. Ceckanowicz can be seen giving each student that passes by a high five. Off duty, Dep. Ceckanowicz is known to stay late and provide extra help with activities on campus and organizing educational projects. Even on the weekends, the deputy has built shelves for teachers and fixed broken bicycles that are then donated to students who walk to school.

Dep. Ceckanowicz received the 2024 Florida School Resource Officer of the Year Award today at the Florida School Resource Officers Association Summer Conference. To nominate an officer to become the next Florida School Resource Officer of the Year, click here.

To join Dep. Ceckanowicz in the state’s law enforcement family, visit BeAFloridaHero.com for open positions and contact information to apply for available jobs at Florida agencies. For more information about working for the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, click here for job postings.

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