Vienna SRO Program names Manley lead officer, Stewart to teach law enforcement classes

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

VIENNA, Ill., (KBSI) — The Vienna School Resource Officer (SRO) program, a partnership between the Vienna City Police Department and local schools, has announced leadership and instructional changes to strengthen student safety and expand career pathway opportunities.

Officer Carl Manley, who has served with the program since 2019, has been promoted to Lead SRO and School Safety Coordinator. In his new role, Manley will oversee safety initiatives across Buncombe, Cypress, New Simpson Hill, Vienna Grade, and Vienna High School. He will also serve as the primary liaison between law enforcement, students, and staff.

“I am humbled that I have been selected to lead the SRO/School Security program,” Manley said. “I hope to lead an already outstanding program into the future and develop it into a role model for the rest of the state. The staff of our SRO program are an amazing team and perform at the highest levels.”

As part of the transition, Manley will no longer teach the Law Enforcement/Public Safety career pathway classes at Vienna High School. That role will now be filled by Officer David Stewart, who also continues to serve as an SRO when needed.

“I’m excited to be taking over the Law Enforcement class at VHS previously taught by Carl Manley,” Stewart said. “It’s great that VHS is able to offer so many different career avenues for students to explore. I look forward to introducing students to the Law Enforcement career field.”

Officer Eileen Rochford, who previously served as Lead SRO, will remain with the program, ensuring a smooth handoff while continuing to provide law enforcement coverage at the schools.

School Superintendent Dr. Joshua Stafford praised the collaboration between law enforcement and the district.

“The schools are grateful for the commitment of the Vienna City Police Department and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department for their cooperation to ensure student and school safety,” Stafford said. “Officer Rochford’s leadership over the last several years has built a strong foundation. Officer Manley will undoubtedly build on that, and we are pleased that Officer Stewart will continue the career exploration pathway for students.”

Vienna Police Chief Jim Miller also commended the program.

“Our schools are almost like a micro city within themselves,” Miller said. “The SRO program not only helps our students but also allows officers outside of the schools to focus on community needs.”

The SRO program remains a central component of the district’s overall approach to school safety while continuing to provide students with exposure to public safety careers.