Bishop recognized as SRO of the Year

HARDIN— Each year, Liberty County constables recognize deputies for their service to their communities, and this year, one school resource officer, SRO, was recognized for his continuous service to Hardin Independent School District.

Hugh Bishop, SRO at Hardin High School, was awarded SRO of the Year for the 2024- 25 school year for Liberty County Constable’s Office Pct. 3.

“ I never did it for the recognition,” Bishop said with a chuckle. “It’s good to be recognized and have a little pat on the back.”

Bishop has about 34 years of experience in law enforcement under his belt, having previously worked for the Liberty Police Department, Liberty County Sheriff ’s Office and the district attorney’s office when Chambers and Liberty counties shared an office.

Bishop has served for eight years with the constable’s office. Early January marked his third anniversary serving Hardin ISD.

“Hugh has made great connections with our kids, parents and community,” Hardin ISD Superintendent Scott Mackey said. “Everyone feels safer with him around and he always has a good joke to lighten up the mood in any situation.”

“He’s very outstanding in his job,” Constable Pct. 3 Mark “Maddog” Davison said. “He’s caring about what he does. He just really puts a lot of effort and concern into the cases. Just talking with the children, making sure everything is good with them, not just in law enforcement issues.”

Bishop said his favorite part of the job is the R in SRO. He enjoys talking with students, primarily listening to their concerns or opinions.

“I just take it as it comes. If you’re wanting to talk or hangout, I know I can be intimidating and scary. Well, I’ll back off for a little bit,” Bishop said. “You’ll come back around, hopefully sooner rather than later.”

Davison shared a similar sentiment in the importance of listening to the students.

“You never know what you’re gonna find out. You sit there and listen to a kid, whether he’s going through stuff at home or he’s going through stuff at school. You may save that child’s life, or you can prevent something happening later on in the future,” Davison said. “That’s what Bishop does very well. He interacts with them like nobody I’ve ever seen before.”

Bishop’s background in mental health training helps with his role as SRO.

In 2007, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement required mental health training for all law enforcement officials. Bishop was the first peace officer in the county to become an instructor for the mental health course.

“The focus is finally getting to where it needs to be,” Bishop said.

Bishop spends each day trying to help Hardin students however he can, whether it’s with a good joke or by listening.

“They’re (students) used to me saying every day on the green side is a good day,” Bishop said.

“We are blessed to have him looking over our kids and faculty/staff,” Mackey said.