A School Resource Officer who investigated a threat to Rock Springs Middle School received the Officer of the Month award for February from Ford of Murfreesboro.

SRO Ben Baldwin's intense investigation resulted in charging a 14-year-old student with making a false report. The student was also charged with criminal impersonation by using another student's log-in information to send the threat.

General Manager Jason Borowski of Ford of Murfreesboro awarded Baldwin a watch for being selected Officer of the Month.

Borowski commended Baldwin for his actions to keep the students, faculty and parents of Rock Springs Middle School safe.

"He understood how serious this threat could have been and immediately handled the issue," Borowski said. "I and the community of Rock Springs are very appreciative of his dedication to the care of the students."

Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh said the safety of Rutherford County Schools is a top priority for the Sheriff's Office.

"I thank SRO Baldwin for his dedication to investigating this threat immediately to care for the students," Fitzhugh said.

SRO Capt. Brad Harrison said Baldwin received the threat information on President's Day when schools were closed.  The SRO understood the seriousness of the threat and community concerns. He worked numerous hours that day until he located the student who made the threat.

"Officer Baldwin's actions brought a sense of peace to the students, faculty and parents of Rock Springs Middle and was an exemplary example of what the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office School Resource Officer's Division stands for," Harrison said.

Photo: General Manager Jason Borowski of Ford of Murfreesboro, center, presents the Ford Officer of the Month to School Resource Officer Ben Baldwin. At left is SRO Lt. Brian Wright.