Sgt. Matthew Evers - SRO/DARE Coordinator

Hello, my name is Ofc. Matt Evers and I have been part of the Edwardsville Police Department since September of 2006. Prior to my career as a law enforcement officer, I attended SgtEvers Small Eastern Illinois University and then Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

During my career as a law enforcement officer, I have served different functions within the department such as: Field Training Officer, Crisis Intervention Officer, Crime Scene Technician, and Firearms Trainer.  I am also a 4 E’s Instructor and have experience in developing and implementing active shooter training and drills for my department.

For approximately 8 years of my police career, I was a Detective for the Edwardsville Police Department. My investigative experience includes a three-year assignment to the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois (MEGSI), which is an undercover drug task force for the Metro East Area. I just recently finished a five-year assignment in the Edwardsville Police Department’s Investigations Division conducting general investigations for the city of Edwardsville. I am also a member of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis.  

In August of 2022, I assumed the role of the School Resource Officer/DARE Coordinator. As the SRO/DARE Coordinator, I supervise the SRO/DARE Officers and act as a liaison between the Edwardsville School District and the Edwardsville Police Department.

I am a lifelong resident of the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon area, and graduated from EHS in 1998. I am proud of my community and school district, which is why I chose to live, work, and raise a family in this area. I have a continued vested interest in the safety and security of our schools since my two children are now students in the district. I look forward to working with all of you in the future to continue to make our school district a safe, secure, and fun learning environment.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact me any time at: Edwardsville High School 618-656-7100, Ext. 20632 or Edwardsville Police Department 618-656-2131 Ext. 156 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 

Officer Rick Thompson-Edwardsville High School SRO


Thompson SmallMy name is Officer Rick Thompson and I have been employed as a police officer for the City of Edwardsville since January 2007. During my law enforcement career I have served as a Patrol Officer, Ward and Beat Officer as part of the departments Community Oriented Policing Program, and now my newest assignment as the School Resource /D.A.R.E. Officer for Liberty Middle School.

I am a 2002 graduate of Edwardsville High School and continued my education at Lewis and Clark and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. I received my Law Enforcement Training at the SWIC in Belleville, IL. I have also received specialized training as a Juvenile Officer and Crisis Intervention Officer.

Please feel free to call me or stop by my office if you have any questions, need any information or have any concerns. I can be reached at Edwardsville High School, 618-656-7100 ext. 20157, or by email, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Officer Keith Scruggs -Lincoln Middle School SRO

Hello, my name is Keith Scruggs and I have been in Law Enforcement for 11 years.  I have been a part of the Edwardsville Police Department since June of 2018.  I also served with the TrumanScruggs State University Department of Public Safety and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.  During my career as a law enforcement officer, I have served different roles such as Acting Shift Commander, Mobile Field Force, Field Training Officer, Less Lethal Instructor, 4 E’s instructor, and Crisis Intervention Officer.

 

Prior to my career in Law Enforcement, I attended Truman State University, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.  In August of 2023, I assumed the role of the School Resource Officer/DARE Instructor for Lincoln Middle School.  For this role, I became certified as a Juvenile Police Officer, a School Resource Officer, and a D.A.R.E. Instructor.

 

I look forward to working with students and teachers in the DARE program and as a School Resource Officer.  I want to ensure continuing education in our community, and to provide a safe, secure, and fun learning environment.

 

Officer Tyler Heffinton - Liberty Middle School SRO

Hello, my name is Officer Tyler Heffington and I began my law enforcement career in 2014 with the East Alton Police Department until I transferred to the Edwardsville Police Department in 2018. Heffington_Small_1.pngDuring my law enforcement career I have served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Crime Scene Investigator and Taser Instructor.

I attended Lewis and Clark Community College and Western Illinois University where I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. I received my Law Enforcement Training through Southwestern Illinois College, completed an Illinois Juvenile Officer Training, School Resource Officer (SRO) training and obtained 4E’s Instructor Training through SILEC.

As a SRO I am looking forward to continuing a positive working relationship with the Schools, Students, Parents and Community.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, need any information, or have any concerns. I can be reached at Liberty Middle School, 618-655-6800 ext 22108, or by email, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 

 

Edwardsville School Resource Officer Program

The Edwardsville Police School Resource Officer Program places experienced law enforcement professionals at Edwardsville High School, the Alternative High School, Liberty Middle School, and Lincoln Middle School. The School Resource Officer Program reflects a community partnership between Edwardsville Community School District 7 and the City of Edwardsville Police Department to ensure that our schools are safe, secure, and orderly learning environments.index.1

The SRO fulfills three roles by using a triad approach. The officer acts as law enforcement officer, a law-related counselor, and law-related presenter. As a law enforcement officer, the primary purpose is to “keep the peace.” As a law-related counselor, the officer provides resource guidance to students, parents, teachers, and staff and acts as a link to support services both inside and outside the high school. As a law-related presenter, the officer will share special law enforcement expertise by presentations in the classroom to promote a better understanding of our laws. Furthermore, the SRO also serves as positive role model for the students on campus during school hours and off campus at extracurricular activities.

 

On February 12, 2013 Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas D. Gibbons spoke to the entire fifth grade class at Columbus Elementary School. Mr. Gibbons spoke on the importance of making the correct and healthy decisions. Mr. Gibbons also stated that if the wrong decisions are made, what the possible consequences could be. This was a very appropriate time for Mr. Gibbons to speak to the fifth graders; this reinforces the message that the DARE Officers are instructing the students on the consequences of poor decisions and what could ultimately happen if they make those poor decisions. In several weeks all thirteen fifth grades classes will be taking a field trip to the Madison County Detention Home. This is one more validation of what can happen if you make a poor and healthy decision.

Gibbons Group

The Edwardsville Police DARE Officers would like to thank Mr. Gibbons for his visit and his continued support of the Edwardsville DARE Program.

Sgt. Matthew Evers - SRO/DARE Coordinator

SgtEvers Small

Hello, my name is Ofc. Matt Evers and I have been part of the Edwardsville Police Department since September of 2006. Prior to my career as a law enforcement officer, I attended Eastern Illinois University and then Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

During my career as a law enforcement officer, I have served different functions within the department such as: Field Training Officer, Crisis Intervention Officer, Crime Scene Technician, and Firearms Trainer.  I am also a 4 E’s Instructor and have experience in developing and implementing active shooter training and drills for my department.

For approximately 8 years of my police career, I was a Detective for the Edwardsville Police Department. My investigative experience includes a three-year assignment to the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois (MEGSI), which is an undercover drug task force for the Metro East Area.  I just recently finished a five-year assignment in the Edwardsville Police Department’s Investigations Division conducting general investigations for the city of Edwardsville.  I am also a member of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis.   

In August of 2022, I assumed the role of the School Resource Officer/DARE Coordinator.  As the SRO/DARE Coordinator, I supervise the SRO/DARE Officers and act as a liaison between the Edwardsville School District and the Edwardsville Police Department. 

I am a lifelong resident of the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon area, and graduated from EHS in 1998. I am proud of my community and school district, which is why I chose to live, work, and raise a family in this area.  I have a continued vested interest in the safety and security of our schools since my two children are now students in the district. I look forward to working with all of you in the future to continue to make our school district a safe, secure, and fun learning environment. 

If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact me any time at: Edwardsville High School 618-656-7100, Ext. 20632 or Edwardsville Police Department 618-656-2131 Ext. 156 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 

 Officer Jarrod Sprinkle - DARE Officer 

SprinkleHello, my name is Jarrod Sprinkle and I have been with the Edwardsville Police Department since 2000.

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from McKendree University.  At the Edwardsville Police Department, I have had many special assignments through the years.  I have been an Acting Shift Commander for the past 9 years, Crisis Intervention Team member, Crime Scene Investigator, Ward Officer, and many other assignments through my Law Enforcement career. 

I have also coached several of my sons’ teams in basketball, football, and baseball.  Between my coaching and law enforcement experience, I believe I will be able to relate well with the DARE students when teaching them the curriculum.  

 

Officer Ryan Grimes - DARE Officer

Grimes

 I am Officer Ryan Grimes and I am currently a DARE Officer with the Edwardsville Police Department. I began my Law Enforcement career with the Danville Police Department and transferred to Edwardsville in 2018. Prior to my career in Law Enforcement, I spent time working in the business sector.

Throughout my career in Law Enforcement, I have participated in a Street Crimes Unit, Field Training Officer, Youth Academy, Crime Scene Investigation and various other tasks relating to Law Enforcement. I enjoy volunteering time for local fundraisers. It is very important to me to stay active and participate throughout community activities.

I look forward to many years of instructing our DARE program and sharing my knowledge. It is important to me to provide continuing education and a positive influence on our current students. The DARE program provides information pertaining to growth, development and life choices. I bring and outgoing, enthusiastic and devoted personality to this assignment and am excited to build a positive working relationship with our local schools. 

 

 

08212011 scottevers--4 HDR

The Edwardsville DARE program will be hosting the 32nd Annual DARE Car Show on August 18th, 2024 (rain date of August 25th, 2024) at the Edwardsville High School, 6161 Center Grove Road, Edwardsville, IL. As in the past, expanded parking and tents will be allowed. Please be sure and mark your calendars now!

 

"THIS is the show you won’t want to miss!”

   

 

Facebook 

 

Stay up to date throughout the year on our facebook page:@darecarshow.  

There will be over 40 vehicle classes and 8 motorcycle classes, with awards presented for each class listing. The first 350 vehicles entering the gate will receive a commemorative 2024 Dash Plaque.   

Any Clubs registering vehicles will have a chance to win the $100 Club Award. As in the past, our trophy plaques, dash plaques, T-shirts and Souvenir Booklets will all include the 32nd year commemorative design.  Anyone entering their vehicle in the show will receive a FREE PHOTO of their vehicle, courtesy of Walgreens.  Activities including a 50/50 drawing, silent auction, and kids activities, which will all take place throughout the day.  

Registration opens at 8:30am and closes at 1:00pm.  Entertainment kicks off at noon and awards presentation will begin promptly at 4pm. Spectators welcome all day with activities starting at 11am.

 

UPDATED 2024 CLASS LISTINGS...Coming Soon


The motorcyle class listings are as follows:


1. Stock - American    
2. Custom - American

3. Stock - Metric          4. Custom - Metric

5. Stock - Sport Bikes  6. Custom - Sport Bikes

7. Choppers                  8. Trikes