Rick Utter is Rochester Community Schools’ new school resource officer, having started in March. Here he poses by Zebbie at Rochester High School. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

ROCHESTER — A former Rochester High School Zebra is now serving Rochester Community Schools as a school resource officer.

Rick Utter became the SRO in March, taking over from Mitch Scott.

Utter, Rochester, was a member of the RHS Class of 1983. His mother also taught at RCS for 29 years.

Utter previously worked at Dean Foods. He joined the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office as a reserve officer in 2007, becoming full time when he started as SRO.

“I’ve just always liked law enforcement. I could never afford to make that move before, but (did so) when this job was offered,” said Utter.

He noted Scott and original RCS SRO Skeeter Daugherty “paved the way” for him in his new role.

“It was kind of easy for me to step in,” said Utter.

Utter, who is married to Teri noted the job means a lot to him as his three grandchildren attend RCS. His daughter, Kayla Buckner, a 2006 RHS grad, also works for the school corporation.

Utter said his tasks include “the safety and security of all students and staff.”

His focus as SRO is “to bridge any gap between law enforcement and school just to make a safer environment for learning,” he said.

Utter said his job also is “to establish positive, trusting relationships with students, staff, parents and the community.”

He noted he has “a good relationship with the superintendent and everyone else in the school system.”

“Everybody has made me feel like part of the Zebra family,” said Utter, noting he also has support from the FCSO and Rochester Police Department in any emergency.

Utter noted at the elementary level his job entails spending time with students, “just simply being there, fist bumps and high fives.”

“You don’t have the problems there obviously,” he said.

“At the middle school (level) you start getting some issues and some bad decisions, risky behaviors and all that, and at the high school level, those issues can potentially get worse. That’s why my office is here (at the high school). I spend the most time here,” Utter explained. “All in all, we don’t have many problems. Most disciplinary issues fall on the school, and I only get involved in anything criminal in nature. Sometimes a positive approach makes a positive impact and a positive outcome.”

Utter noted he likes “the impact” he has on children.

“Just (by saying) a simple ‘Good morning and how are you today,’ you can see their whole demeanor change, and it just has a positive impact on them. It’s good to see that,” he said.

Utter called being an SRO “rewarding.”

“You just play that little part in trying to make your community better, a better place to live and raise your family,” he said. “Hopefully, it’s making an impact here, just the connection with the kids.”