The School Resource Officer (SRO) Program is a dedicated division of the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office, operating in partnership with the Fannin County School System. Established in 1997 and currently supervised by Captain Darvin Couch, the program plays a vital role in supporting a safe and secure educational environment.

Beyond traditional law enforcement responsibilities—including full arrest authority—School Resource Officers provide comprehensive safety services throughout the school system. Their work includes campus security, classroom instruction, criminal investigations, participation in parent and teacher conferences, and leadership in youth-focused initiatives such as C.H.A.M.P.S. (Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety).

Developed by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association in 2003, the C.H.A.M.P.S. program is designed to equip Georgia’s youth with the knowledge and skills needed to make healthy, safe life choices. The program is currently offered to fifth-grade students at Blue Ridge Elementary School, East Fannin Elementary School, and West Fannin Elementary School. Each school hosts a graduation ceremony at the program’s conclusion to recognize and celebrate student achievement.

For more information, visit http://georgiasheriffs.org/programs-services/c-h-a-m-p-s.

Captain Darvin Couch began his career in 1993 as a detention officer with the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office. He later served nine years in Uniform Patrol and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2004. In 2005, Lieutenant Couch assumed supervisory responsibility for the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program, a collaborative unit between the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office and the Fannin County School System. In 2025, he was promoted to the rank of Captain.

Throughout his career, Captain Couch has earned multiple certifications related to school safety and incident response. His duties include overseeing the safety and security of faculty and staff, maintaining Emergency Operations Procedures, serving as a member of the Safe Team Committee, and working closely with school principals on law enforcement matters as they arise.

Captain Couch has also been selected by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association to assist with administration and oversight of the CHAMPS Program in sheriff’s offices across the state. The CHAMPS program is designed to encourage youth to make healthy choices while promoting safety and positive decision-making. Additionally, he is actively involved with Mountain Education Charter School, supporting students and helping guide the next generation toward graduation and future success. Captain Couch is deeply committed to the well-being of our youth, and we are grateful for his dedicated and passionate leadership.