Officer Michael Turman was sworn in as a Student Resource Officer at the regular meeting of the Paducah Board of Education on July 20. Turman will serve Paducah Middle School as SRO Ray Sotomayor, who was stationed at Paducah Middle last year, moves to Paducah Tilghman High School following the conclusion of Officer Eric Abbott's contract with the Paducah Police Department.
“We want to sincerely thank Officer Abbott for his service to Paducah Tilghman High School over the past year,” said PPS Chief of Police Scotty Davis. “He built strong relationships with students and staff and made a positive impact on the school community. We wish him the very best as he returns to his duties with the Paducah Police Department.”
“These transitions reflect our continued commitment to placing dedicated officers where they can best serve our schools. We believe both schools will benefit from these assignments, and we look forward to another successful school year focused on safety, mentoring, and building strong relationships with our students."
Officer Turman completed 30 years of police service in the Chicago metro area before moving to the region six years ago. He served as a gang crimes investigator, evidence technician, master firearms instructor, and was trained by the FBI as a police sniper. Turman spent many years as a major crimes task force officer, both with the Illinois State Police, and then the FBI Chicago where he investigated transnational organized crime. After retiring and moving to the region he returned to work at the City of Murray police department and later the McCracken County Schools Police. Turman is currently completing his 37th year as a law enforcement officer.
"We're excited to welcome Officer Turman to the Paducah Independent Schools Police Department and to have him join our team,” said PPS Chief of Police Scotty Davis. “Michael brings valuable law enforcement experience and a genuine desire to build positive relationships with students, staff, and families. We are confident he will be a great addition to our department and the school community.”