“As a parent, this seriously concerns me,” said Kathleen Tanaka about Veteran Overwatch. “If Derek Sanders is elected, is he going to provide the background checks, psych evaluations, and training? If these veterans want to be in security, why don’t they apply for the Sheriff’s Office, complete the rigorous background checks, academy training, and continual firearms and other training? Likely because they cannot pass the background, psych, medical or drug testing required.”
Sanders, a deputy sheriff who is running against Sheriff John Snaza, discovered Triplett on social media and then met him in person.
“I’m proud to say I fully trust any veteran volunteer who can pass a comprehensive background check and psychological examination to protect our schools, and I look forward to working on this program collaboratively with veterans, students, teachers, and school officials as your next Sheriff,” Sanders said in a Facebook post about Veteran Overwatch.
In a conversation with The Olympian, Sanders, like Triplett, said he has no interest in vigilantes. But he does believe that veterans could be trained to fill a role in security. For the idea to move forward, it needs a pilot program, said Sanders, beginning with a pilot school, plus support from the school board and school district.