(SPRINGFIELD, Ky.) –Deputy Leslee Wagner, a School Resource Officer for Washington County Schools, has earned statewide recognition from the Kentucky Association of School Resource Officers (KYASRO) after being named a KYASRO Regional SRO Winner. The mission of KYASRO is to support SROs throughout the Commonwealth and offer a network for the exchange or knowledge, ideas and information regarding best practices for school based law enforcement officers. A deputy with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Wagner was hired by Washington County Schools in 2023. Originally from Louisville, she is a 1998 graduate of Doss High School, and attended Morehead State University and the University of Louisville before joining the Army National Guard, completing basic training in 2001. She joined the Jefferson County Police Department in 2002 before it merged with Louisville Metro Police Department. During her tenure with LMPD, she served as a patrol officer, division level narcotics and gang liaison, served on the honor guard, and completed the Spanish Immersion Program, earning proficiency in the Spanish language, before retiring in 2022 after 20 years of service.

SRO Deputy Leslee Wagner

“The award is so meaningful because it is validation that my presence is making a positive difference in the schools and in the community, and that my efforts to keep our campuses and buildings safe are being noticed,” says Deputy Wagner. “For someone who has spent a career seeing people at their worst, being an SRO has allowed me to invest in people at the beginning of their journey. Instead of only responding to problems, I now have the opportunity to prevent them. Instead of meeting young people only after they've made a bad decision, I can mentor them and help guide them toward better choices early on. I had considered stepping away from law enforcement after I had retired from Louisville. However, I believe God puts us where we are meant to be if we place our trust in him. So, I guess it's no coincidence that I ended up in the school system, despite changing majors in college from secondary education to justice administration. It's as if my career has come full circle. I am very grateful for the recognition and support received by the entire Washington County community. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart! I look forward to continuing my career in law enforcement, as a school resource officer for the Washington County School District.”

Deputy Wagner is pictured here at the recent KYASRO awards ceremony earlier this month. (Photo provided)

“We are blessed to have Deputy Wagner serving our students and schools each day,” says WCS Superintendent Dr. Robin Cochran. “This statewide recognition is a reflection of the relationships she has built, the trust she has earned, and the positive difference she makes throughout our district. Our school resource officers play an important role in keeping our schools safe, but the best SROs also become mentors, role models, and caring adults that students know they can turn to. Deputy Wagner embodies those qualities and consistently goes above and beyond for our students, staff, and families. We are incredibly proud of this well-deserved honor and grateful for her dedication to our school community.”

“Most recently, Wagner arrested a suspect for violation of an EPO,” said Washington County Sheriff Jerry Pinkston. “Deputy Wagner addressed the perpetrator, advocated for the victim, sought out the judge on the case, contacted the county attorney and made an arrest. Deputy Wagner was diligent and thorough. She prioritizes student safety and well-being, no matter the circumstance. Deputy Wagner has strong communication skills. She provides a visible, approachable presence in the school. Students, teachers and staff feel comfortable reaching out to Deputy Wagner for help. Deputy Wagner uses her 20 plus years in law enforcement to enforce laws but also to de-escalate conflict within schools. She gets to work early and stays late. She is available for phone calls, meetings, emails and texts. She acts as a counselor to school administrators, teachers and students. Staff and students state that they feel safe when Deputy Leslee Wagner is in the building. Deputy Wagner is focused on extracting drugs from the schools. She schedules K-9 Drug deployments. She also helps facilitate school shooter drills and lockdown drills. She emphasizes preparation during emergencies.”

“In a close knit and small community like ours, we know the difference one person can make, and SRO Deputy Leslee Wagner makes a difference every single day,” says Washington County Judge/Executive Timothy E. Graves. “That difference was recognized as Deputy Wagner was named a Kentucky Association of School Resource Officers (KYASRO) Regional School Resource Officer Winner. This recognition is a reflection of the dedication, compassion, and leadership she brings to our schools and our community. Our School Resource Officers do far more than provide safety and security. They serve as mentors, role models, trusted listeners, and positive influences in the lives of our students. Deputy Wagner has built meaningful relationships with young people, faculty, and families. She has helped create an environment where students feel supported, valued and safe within the walls of our schools grounds. We are fortunate to have someone so committed to serving our community and investing in the success of our young people. On behalf of our county, congratulations to Deputy Wagner on this well-deserved honor. We thank you for your service, your dedication, and the positive impact you make every day.”