Keith Mullikin has put in almost as many years working in Clark County’s schools as he did patrolling the streets of Winchester.

Mullikin spent 20 years with the Winchester Police Department, retiring in 2001 as a sergeant.

Law enforcement runs deeply in Mullikin’s family.

“My grandfather and two uncles were police officers in different communities,” he said. “They became role models to me. My son is a deputy sheriff in Loveland, Colorado.”

Shortly after his retirement, the opportunity became available within Clark County Public Schools.

“I taught the DARE program,” he said. “I thought the school system would be a good place to work.

“I’ve always liked to work with kids and have the ability to speak with kids.”

At the time, Mullikin was one of three school resource officers within the district, along with a deputy from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office who patrolled the schools.

Through the years, the SRO staff had dwindled to the point Mullikin was the only one.

The current administration, though, has increased the program so each school has its own SRO as well as a second at George Rogers Clark High School, and Mullikin is the director.

School security has become a national issue in the last 20 years, and Mullikin has seen the changes first hand.

“We’ve gone from schools that were wide open to where you can’t get in unless you are allowed in,” he said. “It also takes the staff and children to understand not to open the door. Just don’t let them in.”

Even with every school covered, the district could always use more school resource officers, he said.

“I don’t think there’s ever enough,” he said. “You can’t become comfortable.”

As SRO director, Mullikin said he usually spends his days at the Clark County Preschool, which offers the opportunity to go to other schools as needed.

“I float around and make sure everything’s covered,” he said.

Part of the job, he said, is having relationships with the students and trying to help.

“The good part is you’re able to help someone and make them successful in life,” he said. “That’s rewarding to me.”