School Resource Deputy Praised As Hero During Shooting

MARION COUNTY, FL -- A school resource deputy is being hailed as a hero for taking the 19-year-old shooter at Forest High School in Marion County into custody in under three minutes.

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods lauded SRO Deputy Jimmy Long's quick actions Friday morning, April 20, after hearing a gunshot.

"That man in my eyes is a hero," said Woods. "He didn't hesitate. He went right in. In less than three minutes, he responded and took into custody the suspect."

Woods was equally complimentary of the actions of Forest High School Principal Brent Carson, who followed Long to the location of the shooter, prepared to assist.

Woods said the school's staff and teachers immediately heeded the active-shooter training they received and locked all the classroom doors so the shooter couldn't enter.

A 17-year-old Forest High School student was shot in the ankle and was treated at the scene. The sheriff's office said his wound is not life-threatening.

"And kudos to the 17-year-old who was shot," said Woods. "My chief deputy visited him and he told him, 'I am so glad it was me and not one of my friends.' Parents, you should be proud of your son."

Woods refused to reveal the names of the shooter or victim or any details of the shooting while the incident is under investigation.

But members of the Marion County Commission aren't waiting for details.

Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant said the commission is accelerating its school safety plan by adding 34 new school resource officers as of May 1. The commission plans to use $2.1 million in funds from the county's penny sales tax to purchase equipment for the new school resource officers and $700,000 in the law enforcement Municipal Service Taxing Unit for personnel costs.

School Resource Deputy Jim Long

Image via Marion County Sheriff