When you arrive at Paint Branch for morning drop off, there is no doubt that you have seen the peppy and upbeat police officer who assists with morning traffic.
Whether it is his warm smile as he greets parents as they drop students off or a sharp wave and welcoming posture, new School Resource Officer (SRO) Mr. Brandon McClood-or just Officer B – has clearly embraced his new role at Paint Branch.
Officer B says that he is “happy being here” and that he “loves making everyone feel welcome.”
His secret to being so lively in the morning is that he wants the students to feel loved, cared for, and safe in school. He also loves being able to work with the administration and the security members here on campus.
Born and raised in St. Augustine, Florida, Officer B. came to the east coast to work on his master’s degree in criminal justice at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City before landing here in Maryland. He attended the Montgomery County Police Academy and he has been an officer in Maryland for 12 years, working during that entire time in Silver Spring.
This is his first time working as an SRO, but he says that so far he is “loving it.” As for working at Paint Branch and in Burtonsville, Officer B says he really enjoys working in a school environment where learning is an everyday thing. “I really love being around students and want to connect with them,” he adds.
Officer B worked primarily in Downtown Silver Spring before taking over as SRO. What he really liked about working there was how busy it was. He notes that Downtown Silver Spring definitely had an overall “city feel” that made it an interesting place to work. He adds that working in city areas has always appealed to him. His enjoyment of urban areas is one of the main reasons he loved New York, so his transition here has been good, even though he didn’t “know anything about the area at first.”
Students say nothing but good things about Officer B. He waves to us in the mornings with a big smile on his face and he directs traffic very efficiently, while always keeping that cheerful manner.
One aspect that stands out too many is that he isn’t intimidating, or rude, which makes students feel like they can talk to him whenever he is available. Senior Funmi Baruwa says, “I think he’s nice and a great addition to the school.”
Fellow senior Varsha Erapogla adds, “He’s really cool, has a good vibe, and is really cheerful.”
Officer B has been a great addition to the Paint Branch community, and his genuinely cheerful attitude has impressed many parents, students, and fellow staff.