Moffat County School District is serious about keeping kids and staff safe.

While nothing is ever a guarantee, the work the district does to improve safe outcomes in the schools is one of the district’s first priorities. And a large portion of the success of that priority starts with the district’s School Resource Officer Ryan Hampton.

Officer Hampton, who returns this school year to the position after joining the district in this capacity in February, 2021, is an important presence in Moffat County schools. While he wasn’t born in Craig, he’s spent nearly his entire life here, moving with his family when he was a young child in 1989 and attending Moffat County schools throughout his scholastic career. After studying at WyoTech, Officer Hampton spent 10 years in mechanical work and coal before shifting careers into law enforcement. He graduated from the Police Academy in 2012 and served with the Moffat County Sheriff’s Department from 2013 until joining Craig Police in his current position in 2021.

Hampton’s wife, Chandace, is a counselor at Craig Middle School, and their two children attend Moffat County High School and CMS. He enjoys building and running demolition derby cars with his family, including his brother, uncle and father.

“I saw some challenges and triumphs over the last year,” Hampton wrote in a letter to staff this week. “I really enjoyed it. I look forward to serving you all throughout the year. My favorite part of being an SRO is being able to connect with students, meet them where they are at and provide a positive example.”

MCSD’s partnership with the Craig Police Department is one that has evolved over the many years since it was initiated in 1995. That partnership is a huge part of how the school district works to keep its students and staff safe at school. The district has enjoyed working with many wonderful SROs over the years, and Hampton is a worthy inclusion in that list.

“There’s more to school safety than having an SRO,” said superintendent Jill Hafey. “But a good one is an important part of the formula. We’re so grateful to have a wonderful partner in Officer Hampton. He’s basically a Craig native, and he has a huge heart for this community and its children. We’re so happy he’s become a part of the team in this capacity.”

Aside from SRO partnerships, Moffat County Schools also utilizes a program known as Standard Response Protocol, created by an agency called I Love You Guys. SRP trains students and staff on how to respond to any type of emergency, designating responses like “Hold,” “Secure,” “Lockdown,” “Evacuate,” and “Shelter” in the case of various sorts of events. Drills are held regularly to help students be prepared should a real emergency take place.

“We can never be prepared enough for a true disaster, but all we can do is control what we can control,” Hafey said. “SRP is a proven and reliable way to be as ready as we can be to protect our kids and our adults, no matter what happens.”

SROs are in schools for more than emergencies, of course. Hampton’s role includes providing a positive presence being a strong role model for children in the buildings in which he spends time.

“I look forward to the opportunity of interacting with our students as I focus on maintaining a safe learning environment for students and staff,” Hampton said. “I hope to continue my dedication to our student’s success and my positive demeanor to all interactions.”

For more information about Standard Response Protocol, go to ILoveYouGuys.org.