As students across Maricopa return to the classrooms with the fresh promise of a new school year, the Maricopa Police Department's School Resource Officers (SROs) are also stepping into their roles with a sense of purpose. The department's commitment to fostering safe and nurturing environments for the youth shines through the officers' diverse backgrounds and aspirations.
According to the recent release, Sgt. Pamela O'Neal, the supervisor of the SRO Unit, emphasizes the dual role of these officers, aiming not to just uphold safety but to create an "environment where students can dream big." The SROs, vastly experienced yet down to earth, certainly seem to align with such a vision.
For example, SRO Adam Abel of Maricopa Wells Middle School has been with the force for 16 years. Abel's days are far from monotonous; they begin with traffic duty and evolve into mentoring sessions or teaching, as he told Maricopa. Abel looks forward "to impact students' future career choices and life decisions."
Meanwhile, Desert Sunrise High School's SRO Zak Bittner, serving for five years, originally eyed the Army before his journey led him to law enforcement. His anticipation for the new school year is coupled with the excitement of "training security and school staff on safety," as well as the prospect of "watching the first DSHS senior class graduate in May," Bittner shared with Maricopa.
Desert Winds Middle School SRO Brian Brown’s 19 years of experience as an officer bring a deep understanding of the unpredictable nature of the role, conceding there is no "typical day" beyond striving to go home safely. His words of encouragement are equally grounded: "Life may be hard at times, but just know it will get better."
At Maricopa High School, SRO Jamie McCauley is entering her 6th year in policing. Formerly serving in North Carolina, McCauley was initially intent on becoming a vet before gravitating towards ensuring peoples' safety. Looking forward to witnessing the growth and graduations of students, she assures, "I know there are many students who don’t have anybody rooting for them to succeed. I want them to know that I am," she told Maricopa.
SRO Matt Rexinger at Sequoia Pathway, with a total of 22 years in law enforcement, reflects a change of heart from a prospective architect to an officer after inspiring a police ride-along. According to Maricopa's release, Rexinger’s daily interactions with students go beyond surveillance, encompassing classroom teachings and sincere discussions.
