SRO Sgt. Sparks' Last Day of School
By: Breanna Hensley
BCS Communications Dept.
On the morning of Friday March 18, the halls were filled with students applauding and chanting “hero” throughout Avery’s Creek Elementary (ACES). School Resource Officers (SROs) with the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) came together to celebrate one of their very own. Sgt. Mike Sparks is retiring and ready to begin a new chapter of his life. After 22 years, Friday is his final day as an SRO.
“Sgt. Sparks has done so much for the schools during his career,” explained SRO Deputy Melanie Robbins. “The vast majority of his career has been spent at the schools. Sgt. Sparks has had such an impact on so many students over the years. He is leaving behind some big shoes to fill as he is about seven feet tall. That is nothing compared to the size of the man’s heart. It’s going to be hard to replace him.”
Sgt. Sparks had no idea the school was giving him the send off. He thought he and his colleagues were there to read to students, which they did. By the end of the celebration, Sgt. Sparks had tears in his eyes. Thank you, Sgt. Sparks for your dedication to the students over the years. From all of us at BCS, we wish Sgt. Sparks the happiest of retirements.