BETHEL SCHOOL DISTRICT — Local sheriffs deputies are recognizing a Bethel maintenance tech for helping end a recent rash of vandalism cases. On November 16, a vandal began targeting the Bethel High, Bethel Middle School, and Shining Mountain Elementary School area. On at least five occasions, the vandal broke several windows at the complex, causing over $4,000 in damage.

Police say maintenance tech Jason Botsford’s due diligence helped catch the culprit. Botsford searched district surveillance cameras and provided a detailed video that allowed police to make an arrest.

In an email to the district, Deputy Art Centoni, said Jason’s ”duty to public safety and dedication is a positive sign of Bethel School District’s commitment to quality service.”

Another deputy and district SRO Vickie Morrison said it was “through his motivation and outstanding knowledge of his job, [that] Jason helped solve these cases.”

The district’s entire maintenance and grounds team assists with the safety and security of every building in the district. Team members respond many times throughout the year to security alarms, and in many cases, they find vandalism and damage to schools.

On average, Bethel Schools report about $1,000 in vandalism each month, which represents a major reduction over the last several years.  District officials attribute the reduced vandalism to the immediate clean up of damage and graffiti and the efforts of local police.