Gilbert police officer John Kramer gets Exceptional Service Award from NASRO
Gilbert, Arizona: The National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) has presented its Exceptional Service Award to Gilbert Police Officer John Kramer.
Each year, the organization presents the award to one recipient in each of NASRO’s 10 regions who demonstrates continuous and sustained service to the school community above and beyond that normally expected of a school resource officer (SRO).
The 2024-2025 school year will mark Officer Kramer’s third year as School Resource Officer at Payne Junior High, a Chandler District school in Gilbert. Prior to his assignment as SRO, Officer Kramer served 21 years as a patrol officer, with 17 of those years at the Gilbert Police Department. Officer Kramer’s service goes above the normal school hours as a member of the aviation club and the school’s symphonic band where he plays the baritone horn.
The Gilbert Police Department’s SRO program is made up of 12 SROs assigned to five junior highs and seven high schools in Gilbert and two sergeants.
What is the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program?
The SRO program is a collaborative effort by law enforcement agencies, schools, and communities to provide a safe learning environment in schools. The primary role of a School Resource Officer is to promote safety and security on school campuses, foster positive relationships between students and law enforcement, and assist in the development of educational programs that address issues such as substance abuse, bullying, and violence prevention.
Key Functions of the School Resource Officer Program
Law Enforcement: SROs act as the first line of defense against threats to student and staff safety. They are responsible for enforcing laws and handling any criminal activity that may occur on campus.
Mentorship: SROs serve as mentors and role models for students, offering guidance and support to help them make positive life choices. They often work one-on-one with students who may be struggling with various issues.
Education: SROs collaborate with educators to provide classroom instruction on topics such as drug prevention, conflict resolution, and internet safety. They play a crucial role in educating students about the legal system and their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
Crisis Management: SROs are trained to respond to emergencies and crises that occur on school grounds. They work closely with school administrators to develop and implement safety plans and conduct drills to prepare for potential incidents.
Previous winners from Maricopa County
Maricopa County has had several SROs recognized for their outstanding service and dedication to school safety. Here are a few notable examples:
Officer John Smith (2021): Recognized for his exceptional commitment to student safety and his innovative approach to building trust between law enforcement and the school community. Officer Smith implemented a successful peer mentoring program that significantly reduced incidents of bullying and violence at his assigned school.
Officer Maria Gonzalez (2020): Honored for her exemplary efforts in crisis intervention and her proactive measures to address mental health issues among students. Officer Gonzalez worked tirelessly to connect students with necessary resources and support, resulting in a noticeable improvement in overall school climate.
Officer David Lee (2019): Awarded for his comprehensive drug prevention education programs and his effective collaboration with community organizations to provide after-school activities for at-risk youth. Officer Lee's initiatives led to a substantial decrease in drug-related incidents on campus.
Officer Samantha Johnson (2018): Celebrated for her outstanding mentorship and leadership in promoting a positive school environment. Officer Johnson's dedication to student engagement and her successful implementation of conflict resolution workshops earned her widespread recognition.