Hamilton County, TN – Earlier today, HCSO Deputy and School Resource Officer, Jimmy Bowers, was honored for fifteen years of dedicated service to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. SRO Bowers is stationed at Hixson High School where he has served for the last five years.

Several people were on hand for the presentation including his Lieutenant, Shaun Shepherd, and members of the HCDE staff.

SRO Bowers has been instrumental in the creation of the highly successful Hixson High School Archery Team which has won four Hamilton County Archery Tournament Championships and participated in four state tournaments. They are a certified National Archery in the Schools (NASP) program and have placed 12th in the state two years in a roll. It is SRO Bowers' hope that this year’s Hixson Archery Team will have a legitimate opportunity to qualify for the 2018 NASP National Archery Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky.

SRO Bowers serves as the unofficial contact for Hamilton County area schools who wish to create a NASP sponsored team by the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA).

Since its inception, over twenty-six Hamilton County Schools, elementary, middle, and high, have created successful archery teams helping to mentor and teach students camaraderie and sportsmanship.

In regards to his efforts to support archery programs in Hamilton County, Deputy Bowers notes, "I never thought when I took over this small group of kids shooting in the back of the school it would turn into the successful program it has become today." He further states, "Archery has given these kids the opportunity to learn many life lessons including respect, teamwork, how to be goal oriented, and self-worth. I am proud to be a part of it."

Please offer SRO Bowers your congratulations and appreciation for 15 years of dedicated Service.