TxSSC
School Safety Spotlight Awards
Outstanding Individual Service
- indicates an overall recipient for fiscal year.
Officer Shedrick Duffey, Socorro ISD
Outstanding Individual Service
After a distinguished career as a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Trooper Sergeant, Officer Shedrick Duffey brought his extensive experience and dedication to the Socorro ISD (SISD) Police Department. Through daily student interaction during patrols, Officer Duffey has fostered a culture of trust and openness. His visibility and positive relationship-building encourage students to seek help, report concerns, and view campus police as approachable partners in safety. This culture has directly contributed to improved reporting of potential threats and earlier intervention in behavioral concerns. His safety presentations have significantly raised awareness among students, staff, and parents about emerging risks such as THC vaping, online exploitation, bullying, and personal safety.
In 2025, Officer Duffey identified a critical systemic barrier that prevented school district police departments from acquiring surplus state vehicles and equipment. Officer Duffey engaged with State Representative Eddie Morales, which led to the amendment of Texas Government Code 2175.308, enabling school district police departments to acquire not only vehicles but also other essential equipment to enhance operational capabilities. By identifying systemic barriers and driving legislative change, Officer Duffey’s efforts have enabled school district police departments across Texas to acquire needed resources at minimal cost, improving statewide school safety infrastructure.
Leveraging this opportunity, the SISD Police Department secured three retired DPS police vehicles and additional equipment that significantly enhance safety operations. Officer Duffey’s contributions have elevated the district’s safety posture, enhanced preparedness, and built a more informed and engaged school community.
"My life experience as a state trooper assisted greatly with working with the SISD Police Department, and I am very proud of serving in both agencies of law enforcement professionals. I believe education goes beyond books—it lives in everyday actions and life experience, in how we treat others, and in how we respond to challenges. Through teaching, we give children the tools for their life toolbox to think, to care, and to contribute to society. The school resource officer is typically the child’s first contact with a police officer, and it is important for them to understand that we stand with them, not against them.”