James “Doug” Bowling will serve as the new safety services coordinator for the Kershaw County School District (KCSD).  

With 22 years of experience, Bowling has been working as the deputy director of military support for the S.C. Army National Guard, and previously served as the guard’s battalion commander for the 43rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Team.

“Mr. Bowling’s credentials and experience will help us build a strong climate of safety,” KCSD Superintendent Dr. Shane Robbins said in a press release issued Tuesday. “I am confident that he will be able to effectively plan, train personnel and help us mitigate risks for our students and staff.”

Robbins said the district has made “tremendous strides” in the area of safety during the past few months with security measures for school entrances, standard response protocols and ID badges for employees.

“Mr. Bowling’s leadership will help us continue our progress,” he said.

Bowling is also a deputy sheriff for the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina and Master of Arts degree in Homeland Security from American Military University.