IRSC Recognizes Martin County Sheriff’s Office Community Operations Division

June 13, 2019 Robert Lane

Indian River State College (IRSC) recognized the Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Community Operations Division at the IRSC District Board of Trustees meeting held Tuesday, May 28, at the Chastain Campus in Stuart. The commendation acknowledges the MCSO team's exemplary work enhancing campus safety and helping at-risk youth find success in education.

IRSC Recognizes Martin County Sheriff’s Office Community Operations Division for Outstanding Service and Commitment to Students

Martin County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were recognized at the Indian River State College District Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, May 28 at the Chastain Campus in Stuart. Their exemplary work has enhanced campus safety and helped at-risk youth find success in education. Shown here (left to right) are Dr. Edwin Massey, IRSC President, Dep. Christine Polizzi, Dep. Shawn Boorman, Dep. Andrea Olsen, Dep. Mike Deacetis, Sgt. George Yacobellis, and Beth Gaskin, IRSC Provost, Martin County.

In partnership with the MSCO Community Operations Division, the Chastain Campus administration, staff, and IRSC Campus Security have further enhanced campus security measures and have availed in the opportunity to be a part of community improvement in the neighborhoods surrounding the campus. Enhancements to campus safety include hardened exteriors, improved processes, and increased communication with the Clark Advanced Learning Center. Additionally, regular patrols by MCSO complement the presence of IRSC security officers at Chastain Campus.

Community Operations Deputies also work to help at-risk youth start their pathway to a college education. Identifying students in need before they graduate from high school, Community Officers work with IRSC staff to connect students to college opportunities, providing them with encouragement and guidance along the way. Thanks to this collaboration, students who have troubled pasts, come from broken homes or are homeless have connected to higher education and career opportunities that might otherwise seem unattainable to them.

“Over the past year, we have had the pleasure of working closely with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office Community Operations Division, not only to secure the Chastain Campus, but to improve our community,” states Beth Gaskin, IRSC Martin County Provost. “We are deeply appreciative for the countless services the Martin County Sheriff’s Office provides to IRSC and Martin County.”