Valdosta Mayor Scott Matheson and Police Chief Leslie Manahan honored School Resource Officer Devonta Battle as the March 2020 Employee of the Month at the March 5 City Council meeting. Battle received a framed certificate, a check for $200, and his name appears on a plaque displayed in City Hall.

Devonta Battle began his career with the Valdosta Police Department in June of 2015 and is currently a School Resource Officer (SRO). School Resource Officers are responsible for assisting school staff in ensuring the safety of the school staff and students. They also investigate crimes committed on school grounds and assist in directing school traffic.

Officer Devonta Battle is an extraordinary Officer and role model. Officer Battle helps anyone in need while both on and off the clock. His accountability, patience, and unstoppable work ethic is what makes him great. Officer Battle sets a phenomenal example for the students at Valdosta High School. He always goes beyond the job duties of a SRO. He protects the students, offers them life advice, interacts with them heavily, and motivates them all while maintaining his professionalism. He also does exceptional work in the D.E.F.Y. program. He is educating young adults on how to be outstanding students in and out of school. He teaches and encourages students to dream big but also shows them how attainable those dreams can be. He once rewarded a student with $10 because she had a good report card. When asked about it, he said, “I can get another $10, but I can’t get that interaction back”. Officer Battle’s colleague stated, “I have only been working with Officer Battle since August of 2019, but I have already learned so much from him. He has opened my eyes more than I could have imagined and is truly an inspiration.”

The City of Valdosta applauds Officer Battle for his dedication, exemplary work ethic and for being named the March 2020 Employee of the Month.