Click here for more information about Courage2Report
ABOUT US
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.
Director Mark Riggin is the Chief of Police of the Willard School Police Department. He started his service to the Willard School District in 2019. Mark 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 Riggin served 25 as a Springfield Police Department Officer (SPD) during which he was a patrol officer, DARE officer, a part time public information officer, served as a Community Service Section officer at Missouri State University, and a crash reconstructionist, motor officer, and crash investigator in SPD’s Traffic Section. Director Riggin served 8 years in the Army National Guard in the Military Police Corp., and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Evangel University.
Director Riggin and his wife have seven children all of which are Willard Tigers.
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.
Director Mark Riggin is the Chief of Police of the Willard School Police Department. He started his service to the Willard School District in 2019. Mark serves at the Intermediate School South, South Elementary, and Orchard Hills, as well as supervision of the School Police department.
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.
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.