When students in Andalusia Elementary School students go back to class on Monday, they will have a new school resource officer. 

Officer Tessa Crowell,  who joined the APD last fall, said she wanted the opportunity to take on this new role because she believes every child needs a good role model. 

Sgt. Jackie Woods, who has served as SRO at all Andalusia City Schools campuses for the past 15 years, said there is one thing of which Officer Crowell can be certain: Her day will be filled with hugs from AES students. 

“They love police officers at AES,” Woods said. “I’m glad to have her here taking a part in all of the school activities.”

Officer Crowell graduated from Straughn High School and joined the APD last year.  When she’s not working, she and her husband, Brandon, enjoy spending time with their families.

The Andalusia Board of Education and the Andalusia Police Department recently finalized a funding agreement to add the additional officer.