Paducah Public Schools announces an expansion of its security team of school resource officers with the recent hire of John Tolliver and Ray Sotomayor. McCracken County Family Court Judge Deanna Henschel presided over their swearing-in ceremony on November 19.
Tolliver is assigned to Morgan Elementary, and Sotomayor is based at Paducah Middle School. Paducah Public Schools Chief of Police Scotty Davis, previously at Morgan Elementary, oversees the district security team from the Paducah Innovation Hub.
“With the addition of these officers and the restructuring of assignments across the district, we are strengthening our overall safety posture and ensuring faster, more coordinated responses to any situation,” said PPS Chief of Police Scotty Davis. “This enhanced structure works hand in hand with our new staff alert badges and our state-of-the-art camera system, creating a more secure, proactive, and technologically supported environment for everyone on our campuses.”
“Each of these officers is highly qualified and brings a wealth of experience, professionalism, and dedication to their work. Their backgrounds in law enforcement, student support, and community engagement uniquely equip them to help make our schools safe, welcoming, and a supportive environment for every student.”
Tolliver began his law enforcement career with the Paducah Police Department where he was employed for over 23 years with the patrol division and the detectives, drug and vice unit. Tolliver also has specialized experience with prescription drug diversion and vehicle collision investigation.
Following his retirement from the police department, Tolliver was West Kentucky Community and Technical College Manager of Security and Safety for three years.
Sotomayor has 14 years of law enforcement experience, having served with the Puerto Rico State Police, the Mayfield Police Department, and the McCracken County Sheriff’s Department.
He is from Puerto Rico and is bilingual, which allows him to better communicate with students and families, build trust, and provide support to those who feel more comfortable in speaking Spanish. Sotomayor is a proud Paducah Public Schools parent of two of our students.
(Photo caption, l to r: Honorable Deanna Wise Henschel, Office Ray Sotomayor, Officer John Tolliver