- April 3, 2026
Ormond Beach Elementary's school guardian died by suicide in the parking lot across the school on March 20, according to Ormond Beach Police.
Police were dispatched to the school at around 8:09 p.m. that evening after John Medcalf, 46, sent his wife a text stating his intent to take his own life at the school.
According to the police report, upon arrival at 8:10 p.m., "officers tactically positioned their patrol vehicles across the parking lot and directed their spotlight into the passenger side of the vehicle. The first officer on scene maintained a position of cover behind their patrol vehicle while awaiting the arrival of additional units."
At approximately 8:17 p.m., as additional officers were arriving, Medcalf fatally shot himself. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead at 9:23 p.m.
"Volusia County Schools extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and all those affected by the tragedy that occurred on March 20," the school district posted on its Facebook page on April 2. "This loss occurred on a school campus after hours, when students were not present. District safety and communication protocols were followed, school and district leadership responded immediately, and School Board members were notified through standard process."
It should be noted that the school parking lot at 101 Corbin Ave., because of its location in the city's downtown district, is open to the public after school hours and weekends.
"Out of respect for those affected and in care and compassion for the family, our school community, and all those impacted, the district will not provide additional details," the statement continued. "This decision is in accordance with Florida law and allows time for healing. We kindly request the community to keep the family and those affected in their thoughts and prayers, allowing them the time they need to grieve and heal."
VCS implemented the school guardian program in 2018. This was a result of a state mandate that school districts have safe-school officers at every campus, legislation filed after the Parkland school shooting.
In VCS, school guardians fulfill this requirement at the elementary level.
The difference between a law enforcement officers (who serve as School Resource Officers/Deputies at the middle and high school level) and a school guardian is that guardians do not have arrest authority and are employed by the school district, rather than a law enforcement agency.
According to the VCS website, "guardians have undergone extensive background checks, drug testing, a psychological screening, 132 hours of training with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, 12 hours of de-escalation training, and another 40 hours of training on security in schools and strategies for dealing with students."
VCS reports the average years of prior experience for its school guardians is 26 for retired law enforcement and 22 for retired military.
Medcalf previously served in the U.S. Army, per his Facebook page.
Due to state statutes providing that information that would identify safe-school officers is exempt from public records, VCS declined to share additional details regarding his employment.
"The District does not confirm, deny, or otherwise comment on whether any individual has served or currently serves as a safe‑school officer or school guardian," VCS stated in an email to the Observer. "Any prior public references do not waive the statutory exemption and will not be verified, reiterated, or characterized in response to a public records request. The District’s response is governed solely by current law and current District practice.
In a statement to the Observer regarding standard procedures for responding to a call about a potential suicide, Ormond Beach Police stated:
"We respond to these types of calls using the same standardized approach we apply to any situation where there may be a potential threat or weapon," the department said. "The nature of the call helps guide the officers on initial decision-making, but the core response remains consistent. Typically, two units would be dispatched, with the first arriving officers assessing the situation and determining any immediate safety concerns. They then relay that information to other responding units and request additional resource (fire or medical) if needed."
Since October 2024, OBPD officers have attended five deescalation training courses, including classes conducted for new police officers, which is part of orientation.
Editor's note: This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. An online chat is also available at 988lifeline.org
