If you’ve walked the halls of Tinora recently, you may have noticed a lot of waves, high-fives, and smiles directed toward a new face in uniform. That’s because we’re thrilled to welcome Deputy Gregg Harter as Tinora’s new School Resource Officer (SRO)!
Deputy Harter is no stranger to Defiance County. He grew up in the Fairview (Central Local) district and has called Defiance home with his wife and two children for the past eight years. With a lifelong passion for helping the community, becoming a deputy was a natural fit. “One of the biggest roles of being a School Resource Officer is building positive relationships with the students, staff, coaches, parents, etc.,” he shared. “I want to be a trusted liaison between law enforcement and the school, assisting in many different areas.”
Though new to Tinora, Deputy Harter has already noticed how respectful and welcoming our students are, and he hopes they see him as approachable. “I hope students feel like I’m just part of the staff, that they can come to me with any issues in their life or just stop by to talk,” he said.
Outside of school, Deputy Harter enjoys spending time with his family, running local 5Ks, and even bowling when he gets the chance. Fun fact? He admits he can rap every word of “Ice, Ice, Baby.”
When it comes to favorite Defiance food spots, he has quite a list: China Garden, Jersey’s, Fire Stone Tavern (“love their pizza”), and Kissner’s. And if he could instantly master any skill? Bowling would top the list.
Superintendent Nicole Wells shared why having an SRO is such an important role at Tinora:
“A School Resource Officer is more than security, they are a trusted presence who builds relationships, mentors students, and provides a sense of safety that allows learning to thrive. Safety will always be my top priority because every child and every staff member deserves to feel cared for and protected each day.”
We’re grateful to have Deputy Harter join the Ram family. With his welcoming nature, strong community ties, and genuine care for students, he embodies exactly what it means to be part of Tinora.
Please join us in giving Deputy Harter a warm Ram welcome when you see him in the hallways or at sporting events. Don’t forget to give him a wave or a high-five!