BHER Foundation Invests $50,000 in Sheriff's Shield Program for Local Schools
May 28, 2025
Ripley, West Virginia – The BHER Foundation announces today that a one-time gift of $50,000 is being made to the Community Foundation of Jackson County (JCCF), West Virginia. This community investment into The Shield Program is a school safety initiative that places police officers (city and county) in all Jackson County Schools, patrolling hallways and grounds, getting to know staff and students on a personal level, and learning the layout of the school buildings. The program is a collaborative effort between the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, the Jackson County Board of Education, and the Jackson County Commission. The goal is to create a visible and random presence of law enforcement, deterring potential threats and promoting a sense of safety and trust between students, staff, and law enforcement.
BHER Foundation President Gina Rooney attended a community meeting hosted by Jackson County Commissioners on April 10, 2025, where Jackson County Sheriff Ross Mellinger explained the program’s benefits and encouraged community members and local organizations to commit to the future viability of the program.
“The collaboration between the Shield Program, BHER Foundation, the Jackson County Commission, Jackson County Schools, and the Jackson County Community Foundation is vitally important to ensuring the safety and well-being of our children in Jackson County,” stated Sheriff Mellinger. “This partnership gives us the best opportunity for premium and front-line protection for our school children and staff. My hope is that every community strives for this level of commitment”.
The security of students and staff is a top priority.
“Keeping kids safe is essential for communities to thrive,” said Rooney. “We hope to see the Shield Program benefit Jackson County students and the broader community for years to come through a coalition of support.”
The commitment of the BHER Foundation illustrates the importance of cooperative efforts.
“We are incredibly grateful to the BHER Foundation for their generous investment in the safety of our students here in Jackson County,” said Jackson County Community Foundation Director Stephani Vealey. “This support reinforces the value of strong community partnerships and helps ensure our schools remain secure, welcoming places for learning and growth. Together, we’re building a future where safety and education go hand in hand”.
Facts about the Program:
- All schools now have Code Red buttons that notify Jackson County 911, all law enforcement officers, staff, and students immediately when a potential threat arises.
- In the 2024-25 school year, Shield Coordinator Tom Speece has been responsible for:
- Approximately 40 threat assessments.
- 2,000 background checks for volunteers and campus clearance (35 denials).
- 10 risk assessments.
- Over 70 active shooter/ lockdown drills.
- Numerous trainings with staff, students, receptionists, and administrators.
- Training of all bus drivers (bus safety and active shooter drills).
- All schools now have "man traps" to keep school visitors confined to one area.
- All interior and exterior doors are locked when students are present.
Current Projects:
- Working on getting Jackson County Dispatch access to school cameras, when needed.
- In the process of obtaining and installing portable metal detectors in schools to check for weapons entering our schools and sporting events.
Donations can be made to support the Shield Program by going to www.jccfinc.org, by contacting JCCF at 304-372-4500, or by mailing your donation to 108 Church Street North, Ripley, WV 25271. Make sure to include the Jackson County Shield Program on your donation.
About the BHER Foundation
The BHER Foundation is proud to invest in nonprofit organizations across the country, funding programs and providing resources to strengthen communities in which BHE Renewables LLC’s employees and customers live and work.
About the Community Foundation of Jackson County
The Community Foundation of Jackson County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Jackson County, WV. By connecting donors with local causes and providing funding to a wide range of community initiatives, the Foundation works to strengthen education, health, public safety, and economic development throughout the region. Through strategic partnerships and charitable giving, JCCF helps build a stronger, more vibrant Jackson County for generations to come.
