LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Monday afternoon family, friends, and Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD), school officials all gathered to remember the life and legacy of the late school security officer, Victor Montgomery.
On August 14, 2023, Montgomery was tragically hit and killed by a driver on the first day of school in front of Joe T. Robinson Elementary.
While he died protecting the students and following his passions, it was his love for the kids that continues to live on within his family.
Montgomery's wife, Mrs. Alice Montgomery, said she always knew her husband was a good person.
Shortly after his death, she said people would share their personal stories with her of how Montgomery changed and inspired their lives.
"Did you know Paw Paw fed me every day?" said Alice as she explained when a young man broke down and cried about Montgomery's death. "'When Paw Paw brought them pound cakes, he shared them with me," she added.
During the memorial, Pulaski County school officials presented the Montgomery family with a plaque to recognize Victor Montgomery's selfless acts of service, wisdom, and heart of compassion.
While it was a time to celebrate a life lived, it was also a moment to look to the future.
The security officials with the school district said that they're implementing changes to ensure that last year's tragedy never happens again.
"What we have established now is that SROs and the police departments are going to be conducting traffic as far as on the state highways and cities. Security will continue to be present on the sidewalks, but they will not be directing any traffic inside of the street unless there is a crosswalk available for students to cross," said William El-Amin, PCSSD Facilitator of Safety & Security.
PCSSD officials are also implementing personal and professional development classes for new hires as a way to honor the late Victor Montgomery.
Students within the district will also get the opportunity to remember Montgomery's impact through presentations held at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year.