Going back to September 27th, Senator Gallivan joined the Superintendents of Alden CSD & Holland CSD to announce that there will be funding provided to the two districts to support having a full time School Resource Officer shared amongst the two school communities. The SRO program is not entirely new and provides a uniformed ECSO Deputy in several local school districts as a way to promote student safety, conflict resolution,  anti-bullying initiatives, and more.

Senator Gallivan noted that it is important to acknowledge the role that law enforcement is playing on some of our schools. This new initiative will improve on the existing program as it delivers a more consistent and effective way of providing the safety to our schools. Previously, Alden CSD’s School Resource Officer, Deputy Piel, was assigned to several schools and only averaged a trip to Alden once a week. With this new program, Deputy Piel has been assigned as a full-time SRO to only Alden CSD & Holland CSD which allows her to narrow her focus and be more involved in each district,

Recently, while visiting Alden High School, I had the chance to meet with Senator Gallivan to ask him some questions and hear is input about the new program. Gallivan stated that he is thrilled to be able to provide the state support to the schools, and that Alden and our school board are willing to make the same commitment. Truly it means a lot to be bale to and feel the support given and seen by the students, staff, and parents within the district.

“With a new school year underway, it is important to acknowledge the critical role law enforcement is playing in some of our schools,” Gallivan said.  “As a former state trooper and Erie County Sheriff, I believe strongly in the SRO program as a way to ensure safety in our schools and build a positive relationship between officers and students.”

In addition to working with teachers and students, School Resource officers provide assistance with emergency procedure planning, conflict resolution, bringing awareness of drug and alcohol abuse, and providing an important communication link to our local law enforcement communities.

Senator Gallivan secured $110,000 for the Erie County Sheriff’s Office in this year’s state budget to support the SRO program.  As part of this program, Erie County Sheriff’s Deputy Frank Simmeth will also work in North Collins and Springville schools.