Our School Resource Officers are Awesome!

Our School Resource Officers are Awesome!
Posted on 02/15/2023

Our School Resource Officers are Awesome!
By: Christine Harper

            “The servant always asks, ‘Where am I needed most?’”  This is the epitome of our School Resource Officers!  February 15th, 2023 is National School Resource Officer Day and Mexico Public Schools is extremely lucky to have two amazing individuals as our SROs, Kevin Patrick (KP) and Patrick Carey.  KP is the full-time SRO and Officer Carey is the part-time SRO, but they put in so much more time than what is expected.            
Above everything else, our SROs focus on the safety of each and every student and staff member of Mexico Public Schools.  I have watched these two individuals de-escalate a situation in a matter of moments.  I have watched their interactions with students and the trust they build with them each and every day.  Students know they can count on them to help, even if it’s just a listening ear.  Staff and students know that they can count on them to help.
        Our SROs also help our staff in so many ways.  One of the important jobs they have is making sure staff is prepared in the event of an intruder.  They provide training and guidance so the staff feels comfortable (as much as they can feel comfortable in that situation) in knowing how to protect themselves and their students with confidence.
       On a lighter note, our SROs are FUN!  Many times, I am sent pictures of our SROs participating at recess or as part of a staff vs. student game!  I’m guessing they have no idea the positive impact that has on our students!  Little things like that go a long way in building relationships and trust so that if they do need to have a tough conversation or have to deal with a tough situation, it’s a little bit easier because that good relationship is there.     
At the end of the day, our jobs are about kids and helping kids be successful.  That looks different for each and every student. Our SROs understand this completely!  They go above and beyond what is required of a School Resource Officer and we are extremely fortunate to have Kevin Patrick and Patrick Carey as our SROs. I hope they know how much we appreciate all they do for our students and staff of Mexico Public Schools!