Left to right: Allen Kniceley, Wes Westmoreland, Jason Hurst, Rodney Borders, Lieutenant Steve McKee, and Ronny Funderburke.

Cleveland Community College recently donated more than 50 analog radios, along with batteries and various parts, to Cleveland County Schools. "In today's environment, communication is key," said CCC President Dr. Jason Hurst. "Cleveland Community College was fortunate to be able to upgrade to digital radios this year."
Hurst explained that shortly after the upgrade, staff at the College learned that some schools in the county needed radios. This created an opportunity to recycle CCC's old radios and put them to good use.
On Monday, June 3, 2019 Hurst presented the radios to Cleveland County Schools' Executive Director of High Schools and Safety, Ronny Funderburke, and Executive Director of Administrative Services, Rodney Borders.
Borders and Funderburke thanked the College saying the radios will be put to good use right away. "I can tell you that there will be some really excited people," said Funderburke.
Lieutenant Steve McKee, who supervises the school resource officers, commented that the radios would be shared at elementary, middle and high schools throughout the county. "Teachers don't want to go outside without a radio and often scramble to find one."
Having a radio is important, McKee continued, because while outside the building teachers may see something and need to report it. Or, just as important, if something happens inside the building staff can notify teachers not to bring students inside. "Little, simple things like having a radio can save people's lives," he said.
Each radio is valued at approximately $250.
Submitted by Paul B. Vess