Farmington High School has a new face on campus dedicated to student safety and building positive relationships with students. Officer Taron Mahone has been selected to serve as the new School Resource Officer (SRO) for Farmington High School following the promotion of former SRO Sergeant Howerton.
District Safety Director Dean Campbell said the transition went smoothly thanks to the strong partnership between the Farmington School District and the Farmington Police Department. He added that the district is grateful for Sergeant Howerton’s service at the high school and for his work in helping Officer Mahone transition into the new role. “We truly appreciate Officer Howerton and the time he’s invested in our schools,” Campbell said. “He’s done an excellent job working with Officer Mahone to provide training and support during the changeover, and we’re thankful to the police department for ensuring there was no lapse in campus security.”
Officer Mahone, who is in his 9th year with the Farmington Police Department, said he looks forward to connecting with students and staff at Farmington High School. “It’s very different from normal patrol work, but I’m starting to learn the ins and outs of the job and get accustomed to the role,” Mahone said. “I’m really enjoying getting to know the staff and students and working with the administration to keep our students safe. This position also gives me the chance to be more involved in my son’s activities and spend more time with him, which is a great perk.” Principal Jon Purifoy said Officer Mahone has already made a strong impression on students and staff. He noted that having an approachable, professional SRO helps maintain a positive and secure school environment. “Our students have really responded well to Officer Mahone,” Purifoy said. “He’s approachable, professional, and genuinely cares about building relationships. Having an SRO who students feel comfortable around makes a big difference in maintaining a positive and safe school culture.”
Officer Mahone will continue the strong partnership between the district and the Farmington Police Department by supporting safety initiatives, assisting with emergency planning, and serving as a mentor to students. Campbell said the SRO program is about much more than law enforcement—it’s about relationships. “The SRO program is about more than just safety,” he said. “It’s about creating connections with students and staff, offering guidance, and ensuring our schools remain welcoming and secure places to learn.”