HOOVER, Ala., July 15, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) announced recipients of its annual awards, recognizing excellence in school-based policing. The association is presenting the awards at its annual conference, July 14 to 19 in Orlando, Fla.
Floyd Ledbetter National School Resource Officer of the Year Award: Deputy Jason Solomon, York County Sheriff's Office, Alfred, Maine. This award recognizes a school resource officer (SRO) who has made a specific and significant contribution to the officer's local town, city, county and/or school district. Judges were impressed by Solomon's ability to gain the trust and respect of students. Solomon's efforts to protect children included diligently leading an investigation that resulted in the conviction and imprisonment of a teacher who was having an inappropriate relationship with a student. He also developed an innovative cadet program for students interested in a career in law enforcement.
Regional Exceptional Service Award (two recipients in 2013): Deputy Corinne Pitt, Putnam County Sheriff's Office, Carmel, N.Y., and Deputy Waylon Pollema, Sioux County Sheriff's Office, Orange City, Iowa. NASRO presents this award for continuous and sustained service to the school community above and beyond that expected of an SRO or school staff member.
Judges recognized Pitt for excellence in performing the duties of an SRO, including developing a rapport with students that enables her to become aware of and prevent potential safety and security issues.
Pollema's exceptional service to the local education community earned him the award. For example, Pollema volunteered to be the subject of a TASER® conducted electrical weapon demonstration at a school assembly to help students raise money for two local families in need.
Safe School Leadership Award: Superintendent Will Schofield, Hall County Public School System, Gainesville, Ga. This award honors individuals who exemplify leadership, innovation, dedication and proactive measures to enhance the safety of the school community. NASRO recognized Schofield for his numerous activities to enhance school safety, including implementation of security cameras, visitor check in systems, etc.; creation of a safety committee that conducts internal audits of school procedures and facilities; and creation of a coordinator of safety and emergency preparedness position.
Model Agency Award (three recipients in 2013): Artesia Police Department, Artesia, N.M.; Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, Punta Gorda, Fla.; and Riverton Police Department, Riverton, Wyo. This award recognizes agencies that exemplify the NASRO triad concept (law enforcement, teaching and informal counseling) in their training, policies and standards.
Innovation in the Classroom Award: Officer Charles Dapolite, Westborough Police Department, Westborough, Mass. Judges recognized Dapolite for an innovative combination of techniques to encourage safe driving, including advanced driver training with live skid-recovery practice. No Westborough High School student has died in a motor vehicle accident since Dapolite began his program.
Joe Harris Memorial Instructor of the Year Award: NASRO recognized corporal Pamela Revels of the Lee County Sherriff's office, Auburn, Ala., for dedication to the NASRO training team and for her passion for and dedication to school safety.
About NASRO
NASRO is a not-for-profit organization for school-based law enforcement officers, school administrators and school security/safety professionals working as partners to protect students, school faculty and staff, and the schools they attend. NASRO is located in Hoover, Ala., and was established in 1991. For more information, visit www.nasro.org.
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