Randolph Central School’s SRO Deputy Kale Luce, and Therapy Dog, Silas, who were recognized at the latest Board of Education meeting for their service to the school. Submitted photo

RANDOLPH — The Randolph Central School Board of Education recently recognized the school’s School Resource Officer and therapy dog, Deputy Kale Luce and Silas, as they prepare to leave the school.

Luce has been with the school for about seven years, according to Superintendent Kaine Kelly, with Silas joining him in 2020. The pair were recognized at the June board of education meeting.

“Luce is leaving Randolph Central Schools for a promotion within the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Department, and Silas, the therapy dog, will be retiring,” Kelly said.

Silas is certified as a Law Enforcement Investigative Therapy Canine with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Paws and Stripes program, which is a nationally recognized therapy dog program.

“He has received American Kennel Club titles of Canine Good Citizen Advanced as well as Canine Good Citizen Urban,” Kelly said. “In May 2024, he received the title of Therapy Dog Supreme, the highest recognition for a Therapy dog with the AKC.”

Kelly added that Silas has completed over 700 deployments, over the span of three and a half years, equaling about 3,500 hours of therapy provided to about 1,500 children and adults.

“They have given the Randolph Central School District seven years of impeccable service,” Kelly said.