Ethan Schefft - Mustangs Ahead
(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL)- One of the things Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) is recognized for is its security system. In August of 2024 they installed a high-tech security scanner.
At LRHS Some members of the school security staff are -
Deputy Paul Harris- Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO)
Guardian Tim Liffey- School District Manatee County (SDMC)
Guardian Danny Bench- School District Manatee County (SDMC).
Harris has been with MCSO for 28 years and has been a Schools Resource Officer (SRO) for 24 years working in numerous schools in Manatee County.
Liffey started his fifth year as a Guardian with SDMC. Liffey was an New York City police detective for 24 years before moving to Manatee County.
Liffey stated students can contribute to school security.
“Students can help by notifying the SRO, Guardian or any school staff,” he said. “If they hear something suspicious, they can report any suspicious activity anonymously through ‘Fortify’ App.”
Stay updated on more LRHS news by following us on Facebook, Instagram @mustangs_ahead, YouTube or follow the Mustangs Ahead Podcast on Spotify
When asked about what safety measures the school has in place Liffey stated, “The Evolve Weapons Detection Machine was deployed to Lakewood Ranch High School at the start of the school in August 2024 as a full time tool used to detect weapons.
“All doors inside the campus must remain locked throughout the day to ensure the safety of the students, staff and visitors during the day. We have security cameras Throughout Lakewood Ranch High School that helps us views the entire campus in real time,” he continued.
It's stated on the Manatee County website, “Bags, purses, backpacks, etc. may also be screened using metal/weapon detecting wands, a firearms detection canine, and/or by hand. Refusal to cooperate with the screening procedure will result in denial of entry.”
Bench started his second year as a Guardian with SDMC. Bench was a police officer with Bradenton PD for 25 years. During that time Bench also worked as an SRO at Manatee High School and Sugg Middle School.