Buntain thanked for service as school resource officer

Versailles Police officer David Buntain was recognized for his nine years of “outstanding service” as a school resource officer (SRO) during the Woodford County Board of Education’s meeting Monday. Since becoming the SRO at Woodford County Middle School in 2010, WCMS Principal Tracy Bruno said Buntain has been an invaluable asset. “Officer Buntain consistently went above and beyond to build relationships with students,” said Bruno in a statement read during the board’s recognition of the Versailles Police officer who retired in November. He said knowing Buntain gave WCMS students a different perspective of police. One WCMS student said Buntain “was like a big Teddy Bear” and on behalf of his peers said, “They were going to miss him every day.” Board Chair Ambrose Wilson IV thanked Buntain for making a positive difference in the lives of students. Board Vice Chair Debby Edelen lauded the “excellent” relationship Woodford County schools has with the Versailles Police Department and schools Superintendent Scott Hawkins said Buntain was “embraced by the school community” as proven by how he interacted with students, teaches and other school staffers. “He was truly a part of that team,” said Hawkins, “and was a part of how that school has transformed itself over the last five years.” Buntain thanked the board for the opportunity to serve as an SRO. “It’s been an experience I’ll never forget,” he said as his wife, Jennifer, and 6-year-old daughter, Reece, looked on. “Best school district in the state,” which elicited a second round of applause from board members and those attending Monday’s meeting.