The Kirtland Police Department has hired Patrol Officer William Bauckman as the new School Resource Officer (SRO) for Kirtland Local Schools. He replaces Officer Al Taddeo who retired. He has completed his training with the Kirtland Police Department and will begin working in the schools on Monday, October 12.
Patrol Officer William Bauckman began his career in law enforcement in 1994 with the Cleveland Police Department. In 2000, he was assigned to the Police Academy. In that capacity, he instructed officers in defensive tactics, subject control, firearms and intermediate weapons. He retired from the Cleveland Police Department in June of this year.
Patrol Officer Bauckman is a law enforcement instructor certified by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. He has taught recruits at the Cleveland Police Academy, Cuyahoga Community College and at Lakeland Community College.
Patrol Officer Bauckman has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Dayton. He retired after 20 years of service from the United States Army Reserves. As a Platoon Sergeant for the 762nd Transportation Company he spent over one year in combat in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Patrol Officer Bauckman is married and has two children that attend Kirtland Elementary School. He has been a resident of Kirtland for the past 10 years and active with youth sports.
“Officer Al Taddeo did an amazing job as the Student Resource Officer for many years at Kirtland Local Schools,” said Superintendent Chad VanArnhem, Kirtland Local Schools. “While interviewing to fill the position after Officer Al retired, we wanted to find someone that could make the same personal connection with students, staff and the community. I feel very confident that Officer Bill Bauckman will fill that role extremely well. He is already connected in the community and has spent years in the police department teaching. We feel that his experience with educating others will be a tremendous asset while also ensuring the safety of our students and staff. I am excited for the students and staff to meet him!”