The Crisis Management Team and the administration of Silverdale Baptist Academy have made the decision to hire a full-time armed security officer. The officer will be on campus five days a week.
Retired Chattanooga Police Lieutenant CL Willhoit and Director of Safety Tommy Kennedy have been strategically visiting with classes and interacting with all of the students, demonstrating the presence of a safety-minded community at Silverdale, said officials.
Officer Willhoit is a 29-year veteran of the Chattanooga Police Department, serving nearly 16 years with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department.
Officer Willhoit grew up in Brainerd Baptist Church where he met his wife, Gayle, and raised their three children, and where he continues to be an active member.