BRADY FLANIGANStaff Writer

The Tullahoma Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved an $800 retention bonus for each of the city’s School Resource Officers (SROs) at their recent meeting.

The money, coming straight from the State of Tennessee, doesn’t cost the city anything but a board approval. When Mayor Lynn Sebourn read the item he laughed, “so once again we’re voting on free money, which is always nice.” 

The state rolled out the retention bonus program to help keep officers in the job. It’s an homage to the unique challenges they face working in schools–something beyond classic law enforcement, requiring unique flavors of trust building, risk management, and mentorship.    

The board’s unanimous vote puts the program into motion. Mayor Lynn Sebourn will sign the necessary documents to authorize the bonuses, which are expected to go out soon. For Tullahoma’s SROs, it’s a rare bit of appreciation that comes with no strings attached—a moment to feel seen for the work they do.