Contributed by
the city of Auburn
AUBURN — The Auburn Police Department would like to congratulate two of its school resource officers for receiving two awards from The Alabama Association of School Resource Officers (TAASRO) 23rd Annual 2022 Safe Schools Conference. Both officers were recommended for the TAASRO awards by their supervisor, Sgt. Charles “Bud” Nesmith.
School Resource Officer Justin Fant was presented with the TAASRO 2022 “Above the Call of Duty” Award. Each year, this award is given to one school resource officer in Alabama who made a positive impact in their schools and community.
Fant is the first to arrive on his assigned school campus and works long into the night most days of the week. He always seeks opportunities for increased school safety and often uses his expertise in technology. He developed an identification card program to increase school campus safety and programmed all of the school resource officer entry key fobs. Fant is always willing to meet with students, families and faculty to build positive relationships and assist in any way he can. His vast understanding of the law and his policing experience assists the school administration in doing what is right for students who have made poor choices.
Fant started his career with Auburn Police Department on Aug. 2, 2010, and became a school resource officer for Auburn City Schools on Aug. 24, 2015. Fant is also a K9 handler with the Auburn Police K9 Unit.
School Resource Officer Lavareis “LB” Bryant was presented with the TAASRO 2022 “Valor” Award. Each year, this award is given to one school resource officer in Alabama who showed courage in the face of danger.
Bryant was recommended for the “Valor” Award for his heroic actions shown during an incident earlier this year.
On the morning of Feb. 3, 2022, Bryant was working at the Richland Elementary School car drop off line when he observed multiple vehicles and a school bus come to a stop in the road way, blocking traffic. He observed a male exit his truck and approach the vehicle in front of him, and arguing ensued between the two drivers. As Bryant approached the two subjects, he heard a single gunshot. He ran to the scene and placed himself between the threat and the school. Bryant detained the suspect with the gun and rendered aid to the subject who had been shot until additional officers arrived on the scene. He discovered a 3-year-old was in the vehicle of the subject who had been shot, and removed the child from the scene, placing the child in secure care. Bryant took control and showed outstanding courage during the situation.
Bryant became a certified police officer in July 2009. He was hired with the Auburn Police Department on April 1, 2015, and became a School Resource Officer for Auburn City Schools on Aug. 6, 2018. Bryant is motorcycle certified and is a field training officer. He and his wife, Becca, have three children.
Learn more about The Alabama Association of School Resource Officers at taasro.org.