Deputy Shadduck Brings Positivity to Campus

Deputy Shadduck, Cardinal Community School District School Resource Officer

posted March 27, 2023

Cardinal Community School District began a partnership with the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office for a School Resource Officer (SRO) program in 2019, and we are so glad we did! The program brought us Deputy Chris Shadduck who has been a pillar of our district since he started. We wanted to give him a shout-out for all he does for our students and staff members.

Deputy Shadduck manages the obvious law enforcement-related tasks on campus, including school safety, investigations, traffic control and planning of drills. He has helped us solve traffic issues, providing safer travel to and from our schools, and he works closely with our transportation team on emergency procedures. Deputy Shadduck also acts as a liaison to other first responders such as area fire departments. That’s a lot of responsibility, and yet he still does so much beyond it.

“Deputy Chris Shadduck has had a very positive effect on our staff, students and parents,” says Cardinal Superintendent Joel Pedersen. “He has built great connections with our students and families … The trust that he has built with them has been incredible.”

That trust has made it possible for staff, students and parents to feel comfortable confiding in him. These relationships are key to fostering a safe learning environment.

He has also spent time educating our students and staff about legal issues and the consequences of poor decisions. He has assisted and coordinated demonstrations displaying the aftermath of decisions like texting while driving, and he educates students on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

He’s provided guidance to staff and students when they’ve had questions about first and 14th amendment issues, alcohol use, electronic communication and social media, dating, vaping, and more. He’s a figure of trust and authority who helps our students make smarter, safer choices.

“Deputy Shadduck is here to build bridges and help educate the students and staff,” Mr. Pedersen says. “We are grateful for all he does for us here at Cardinal.”