Rutherford County SRO writes children's book about COVID, uses proceeds to help families

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WZTV) — A Rutherford County School Resource Officer wrote a children's book about the fears and challenges students face during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office says the proceeds from book sales will go to families in need.

School Resource Officer Chad Dodson sometimes uses his sidekick and English bulldog named Pancake to encourage students when they started wearing masks at school. Wearing masks, Pancake and Chad would wave to students when they arrived at the cafeteria for lunch.

Dodson says the book titled "Pancake and Friends" aims to help give children a better understanding of the pandemic.

“I also wanted this book to tell how we can change the world around us by helping people, don’t judge people before you know them and not all police officers are scary,” said Dodson, who has been the Lascassas SRO five years.

“These are some things that we definitely need to be talking about with kids,” Dodson added. “I wanted them to see that they can make a difference, we all can, one person at a time.”

Dodson wrote the book with help from fellow SRO Kerry Nelson. The story is illustrated by last year's 4th grade student Gabrielle Baron with guidance from art teacher Bonni Smith.

4th grader Emma Maxwell of Lascassas Elementary School says she likes the book about Pancake.

“It helped me understand all these protocols and how it helped keep us safe from COVID,” Emma said. “The dog helped me understand it better.”

Emma says students love Pancake. "I think it's great we have him here," she said with a smile.

For more people to read Pancake's story, Dodson is teaming up with the school's PTO to sell his book. The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office says proceeds will be used to help families in need supply birthday gifts to their children.

Principal RandyUptain believes the book is the latest example of how much SROs do for Rutherford County students.

“The book is really more representative of the quality of service we get from SROs in Rutherford County Schools,” Uptain said. “It’s impressive the time and investment Officer Chad took in it.”

The Pancake books are $11 each. Those who wish to buy a book may order it by Thursday or send a donation to the LES PTO, in care of Lascassas Elementary School, 6300 Lascassas Pike, Lascassas, TN, 37085, attention Brooke Henson. People may donate at the same address anytime.

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