Bridgeport SROs, school security guards recognized
BRIDGEPORT CT October 20 2019 — The city’s school resource officers and school security officers involved in this summer’s camp programs from Bridgeport students were recognized for their commitment during a brief ceremony earlier this week.
The ceremony took place Tuesday night at 999 Broad St. Tuesday night after the monthly Police Commission meeting. The recognition was organized by Lt. Nancy O’Donnell, with help from Capt. Roderick Porter, who oversees the SROs, and Sgt. Angelo Collazo, the SRO supervisor.
“The work that they do goes oftentimes unnoticed,” Porter said. “The partnerships that they gain with these children is invaluable.”
Porter said their work is a critical tool for crime-fighting in Bridgeport, even helping police in terms preventing crimes.
During the recognition, more than a dozen SROs and school security guards were honored with certificates and a brief reception with their families for their hard work.
Among those honored for their help with the camp was Detective Jeremy Kelly, one of the driving forces behind ensuring the city’s wrestling program remained an option for students in Bridgeport and ran the wrestling camp. He said the resurrection of wrestling in Bridgeport gives the kids an outlet and a place to be after school and during the summer.
Kelly praised Harding High School coach Eddie Santiago for being instrumental in making sure the program proceeds forward for years to come, along with Sacred Heart University. The wrestling program runs through donations.
Victor Black, principal at Fairchild Wheeler’s Information Technology School, reiterated the “invaluable” work of the SROs and school security guards during his speech.
Black praised the SROs and security guards for developing bonds with the students to help keep the safety of the students the most important priority. He wrapped things up by saying “thank you” to all the officers and security guards involved.
Other than the wrestling camp, there was also a physical fitness camp, a basketball camp and a baseball camp run by the SROs and school security guards this summer.
“You made those camps amazing,” Collazo said. “The kids loved it.”
