SHENANDOAH COUNTY -- School resource officers teach anything from anti-drug classes in elementary schools to safe teen driving courses in high schools.

Deputy Keith Cowart works in the southern end of Shenandoah County Public Schools as a resource officer. On Monday, he taught a self defense course to sophomore girls because he wants to keep them safe, even when he's not around.

"We kind of give them an eye opening, to make them more aware, of what's going on or what could happen,” said Deputy Cowart, “We teach them ways to avoid, and if worst comes to worst we teach them how to physically defend themselves and escape the situation."

Deputy Cowart is there as a resource to students and teachers. He said his goal is to make sure they are prepared for whatever may happen in the future.

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