Westland High School is excited to welcome Deputy Heather Smith as our new full-time School Resource Officer (SRO)! Deputy Smith, a dedicated member of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) for the past eight years, officially joins the Cougar family, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to student safety. Smith replaces former SRO Darrah Metz who was promoted to Seargent in 2024.
Prior to serving with FCSO, Deputy Smith worked with the University Police Department at Capital University, where she built strong relationships with students and staff while ensuring a safe learning environment. Her background in both university and community policing makes her a fantastic addition to Westland, where she will focus on safety, mentorship, and fostering positive relationships with students and staff.
Deputy Smith said she is eager to make an impact at Westland by building trust between law enforcement and the school community.
“I’m excited to be the new SRO and ready to make a difference in building positive relationships with students and staff,” Smith said. “Coming back to the school environment is a full-circle moment for me because it ties back to what I strived to achieve in my role at Capital. I see this as an extension of the education experience—I’m here to educate students on the law and, more importantly, to build good relationships with them.”
As a member of the Westland community, Deputy Smith is looking forward to meeting students, being a positive role model, and watching them grow into young adults.
“This is my community, and I hope to let students see a different side of us—that we are good, safe people who just want to help guide them,” Smith said.
SW Insider 