Willard School Police

The Willard School Police Department was formally established in 2020 as a School Board of Education commissioned police agency. The WSPD officers are commissioned and authorized by the Willard School Board of Education having law enforcement responsibilities for all of Willard School District’s buildings and properties, athletic facilities, school buses, and any functions where Willard students may be participating.

The ongoing mission of the WSPD is to create and maintain a safe and secure learning environment at Willard Public Schools. WSPD officers employ current best-practice safety and security measures for school environments. They participate in various education and instructional opportunities with staff, students, and community while working closely with many local agencies and non-law enforcement groups to ensure student success.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL 911.

Willard School District Police Officers

Director Matt Farmer, Director of School Police

Director Matt Farmer is the Director of the Willard School Police Department. He started his service to the Willard School District in September of 2023. Matt serves at the Intermediate School South, South Elementary, and Orchard Hills, as well as supervision of the School Police Department.

Prior to his service at Willard, Director Farmer served 24 with the Springfield Police Department and retired as the Sergeant of the Homicide Unit. Director Farmer grew up on the family dairy farm in Willard and attended Willard Schools. Director Farmer holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Missouri State University.

Director Farmer and his wife, Autumn, the Librarian for Willard South Intermediate, have a daughter, Telyse, who resides in Philadelphia. Director Farmer enjoys running, golf and time with his family during his time away from work.

Officer Cynthia Holderbaum

Cynthia (Cindy) Holderbaum has been with the Willard School Police Department for six years. She has been in Law Enforcement in some capacity for over 20 years. She started her career as a 911 Dispatcher for the City of Springfield for 5 years before leaving. She attended Drury Law Enforcement Academy in 2007 and worked for Christian County Sheriff's Office as a dispatcher for a year. She then became a deputy where she transported inmates throughout Missouri and the United States for a year. After leaving the sheriff's office she worked for the City of Battlefield for 10 years where she left as a Senior Officer. Some of her prior training includes Major Investigations, Reid Interview and Investigations, Instructor Development and CPR trainer.

After graduating the Police Academy Cindy continued her education at Evangel University receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and continues working towards her Master's Degree. She has taught at the Drury Law Enforcement Academy for over 15 years and is currently teaching with the Crisis Intervention Team where she specializes in Domestic Violence.

Cindy grew up in Willard and is a Willard alumnus. She has one daughter, Madalyn, who also graduated from Willard. In her off-time Cindy enjoys kayaking/floating a river or being at the lake. She also enjoys singing and spending time with family, friends and her pets!

Officer Andrew Benjamin

Officer Benjamin has been with the Willard School Police Department for nearly 3 years. He has 8 years of law enforcement experience to include the Greene County Sheriff’s Department serving as a deputy within the jail, a patrol officer at the Ash Grove Police Department, and currently serving as a reserve with the Walnut Grove Police Department. He Graduated from Drury University’s Law Enforcement Academy and carries several certifications to include Enhanced ALICE Instructor Certification, the National Association of School Resource Officers training, field training officer, Solo Officer Response to An Active Shooter, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, and has been recognized by the American Police Hall of Fame with a Life Saving Award.

Officer Benjamin is assigned to Willard High School and Willard East Elementary School where he enjoys working alongside administration in maintaining a safe and secure environment for all by, engaging, affirming, and nurturing students as a teacher and guide.

Officer Kaylee Friend

Officer Kaylee Friend is in her first year at the Willard School Police Department. Prior to being hired at WSPD, she served for 15 years at the Springfield Police Department. She served in various assignments across the agency, such as Patrol, Investigations, Training, Community Services Section, in ranks of Officer and Corporal, and finished as the Sergeant supervising the Child Victim Unit.

Officer Friend grew up in Edina, Minnesota and was awarded a softball scholarship to Evangel University. She earned a degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology, and was inducted into the Evangel Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2023.
Officer Friend and her husband, Jason, have three children, Carli, Wyatt, and Jackson. Carli graduated from Willard in 2022 and Jason is also an alumnus! Wyatt and Jackson attend Willard Schools and keep their parents very busy. They enjoy camping, fishing, and attending sporting events.

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