School Resource Officer Assigned To LT North Campus

LA GRANGE, IL — A full-time school resource officer has been assigned to LT's North Campus on school days and certain events on campus. Lyons Township High School District 204 and the Village of La Grange will share the cost of an officer during the school year, according to the district.

The school said La Grange police officer Tim Andries has been assigned to LT’s North Campus. He has served as a patrol office since 2012, including four years of DARE and one year in Investigations. Andries is also a veteran, and he served in the U.S. Army for four years prior to joining the La Grange force. He is a certified Juvenile Officer.

“Having a full-time school resource officer on campus takes immediacy, preparedness and responsiveness to a whole new level,” Superintendent Dr. Tim Kilrea said in a release. “LT and the La Grange Police Department have always had a very collaborative and cooperative relationship. Dedicating an officer on a full-time basis to LT North Campus has been considered and discussed for years, and to see this position come to fruition will be a huge asset for our students, staff and families.”

Tom Livingston, president of the Village of La Grange said in a release, “The village and police department support the assignment of a full-time school resource officer at LT’s North Campus, a vital position that not only serves the school but the community at large. The assignment will enhance our continued joint efforts to provide a safe and nurturing community for our residents and students.”

The school said the SRO’s role includes investigations, serving as a liaison between the school and police agencies, and assisting staff with security measures and students and parents with juvenile law issues. The SRO is specifically trained and addresses situations proactively, often dealing with pressures that confront today's students, including the use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco, along with peer pressure and bullying.

LTHS Board President Tom Cushing said in a release, “With the addition of a school resource officer at North Campus in conjunction with the Western Springs officer at South Campus, we now have consistency across the district. You cannot underestimate the positive impact an officer in the building day in and day out has on a student body. Their presence alone will help create an atmosphere of added safety and security.”

The new North Campus SRO will work together with the counterpart at South Campus which is Western Springs Police Officer Ashlee Niezgoda.

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