Honoring Lieutenant Scott Farmer: A Legacy of Dedication and Service

After an impressive 33-year career with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), Lieutenant Scott Farmer is retiring. Many of us in Citrus County Schools know him better as SRO Farmer. Lieutenant Farmer has dedicated 30 of those years to the students of Citrus County, much of that time serving as an on-campus School Resource Officer (SRO). His career is marked by his unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of students, and I have had the honor of knowing him both as an SRO and as a parent with children at the same schools.

During the school year before I was elected to the School Board, I worked as a substitute teacher and had the privilege of substituting in classrooms where Farmer, then the SRO for Central Ridge Elementary, taught the “Filtering Out Crime United with Students” (F.O.C.U.S.) program. This ten-week course for fifth graders covers essential topics like the dangers of drugs, peer pressure, and social media. Witnessing firsthand the positive impact of Famer with students, and this program, I saw how SRO Farmer engaged with students, fostering a sense of trust and respect.

As a parent, I had the privilege of accompanying SRO Farmer on two week-long Safety Patrol Trips to Washington D.C. with our children. His dedication to student safety and his ability to connect with them on a personal level were evident during these trips. His approachable and commanding manner provided a comforting presence for both students and parents alike.

When I served as the Citrus Springs Elementary and Central Elementary School Advisory Council Chairman, and later as a new school board member, Farmer was incredibly generous with his time. He helped me better understand school safety, the vital role and work of SROs, and the importance of the F.O.C.U.S. program. His guidance and expertise were invaluable in shaping my perspective on the safety and well-being of our students.

One particular incident stands out in my memory. A serious event occurred at one of our high schools where seconds mattered, and courage and training were paramount. When the call went our Farmer, who was near the campus, rushed to the scene without hesitation and was one of the first law enforcement officers to arrive. His swift and decisive actions were instrumental in ensuring the safety of our students and staff. Many of those students had grown up knowing SRO Farmer was there to protect them, and he and the other law enforcement truly lived up to that expectation that day when it was needed most.

Throughout his career, Lieutenant Farmer earned several distinguished awards, reflecting his dedication to Citrus County students, schools, and the broader community. These include multiple Certificates of Commendation, a Unit Citation, the Exemplary Safe Schools Award by the National School Safety Advocacy Council in 2010, and numerous letters of appreciation from community members. In 2023, Farmer received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Florida Association of School Resource Officers (FASRO), a testament to his enduring impact on school safety.

Lieutenant Farmer is also known for his sense of humor and grilling skills. During appropriate times, he would blend these two talents, sharing humorous grill photos that brought smiles to many faces. His ability to connect with students and colleagues on a personal level added a unique and endearing dimension to his professional persona.

As Lieutenant Farmer retires, we extend our heartfelt thanks for his incredible service and dedication. He has made a lasting impact on the safety and well-being of countless students, families, and staff in Citrus County. God bless you, Scott Farmer!

If you are interested in watching a video of Lt. Farmer’s final CCSO radio call, visit: Lt. Farmer’s Final Call.

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