A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Sheriff David D. Zylak, St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office and Dr. Michael J. Martirano, Superintendent, St. Mary's County Board of Education on March 1st, 2006 implementing a Middle School Resource Officer Program to service Spring Ridge and Esperanza Middle Schools.
Deputy First Class Stephen E. Simonds, Jr. will serve as a mentor, teacher, and counselor, promoting partnership and rapport among students, staff and families as a law enforcement official. The School Resource Officer also acts as a resource with respect to delinquency prevention; provide guidance on ethical issues; provide individual counseling and mentoring to students and explaining the law enforcement role in society.