The School Resource Officers (SROs) in our four comprehensive high schools all agree that their new positions are about building relationships with students. Whether it is a mentoring-type role, or as a figure of authority, the officers are working hard to create a feeling of trust with the students. Just the presence of SROs in the building can make a difference for students and their parents. However, make no mistake, each SRO takes their responsibility very seriously – to maintain a safe learning environment for UCS students.
Meet Officer Brad Pluger
Henry Ford II High School
Officer Pluger has been a police officer for 23 years, 22 years with the Sterling Heights Police Department. He has worked in both the traffic and detective divisions. When the SRO position became available at Henry Ford II, Pluger immediately applied for it. He says it was a very easy decision; Pluger is also a Henry Ford II parent. He and his wife have three children, two graduates of the Class of 2018 and an eighth grader.
When asked what is the most surprising outcome in the past three months, he said that 98% of the position is positive. “As a police officer, you tend to see people at their worst, after a car accident or maybe in the midst of a family dispute,” said Pluger. “But here it’s mostly positive. Kids walking up to me and saying good morning or starting up conversations. It’s such positive interaction.”
Meet Officer Jacob “Jake” Lukas
Utica High School
Officer Lukas, a Central Michigan University graduate, originally began college studying to be a teacher. Wanting to help people, but thinking a career in teaching might not offer the physically active environment he liked, Lukas turned to law enforcement. When the posting opened up for SRO at Utica High, he knew it would be a great blend of his interests. The Chief and Deputy Chief thought so too.
Lukas says he is interested in not only fostering a positive reputation between the SRO position and Utica High students, but also with the Shelby Police Department as a whole.
“If my presence in the school can help students relax, focus on learning and being with their friends, then I call that a win,” said Lukas.
Meet Officer Tricia Latour
Stevenson High School
Officer Latour is already looking forward to the start of the new school year in September. “I feel like next year will be even better,” said Latour a 25-year veteran, 23 years with the Sterling Heights Police Department. “The kids are starting to open up to me and by spending the entire school year here, I know next year will be even more rewarding.” She says the staff has been extremely helpful and welcoming. With her daughter now in college, the position opening came at just the right time in her career.
Latour enjoys the positive interaction she has with parents and students at Stevenson. Parents have told her that they are happy to have her in the school, giving them piece of mind. After being on road patrol, Latour says the SRO position gives her a refreshing perspective and positive contact with the community.
Meet Officer Jim Knobelsdorf
Eisenhower High School
Before starting his SRO position at Eisenhower, Officer Knobelsdorf was already quite familiar with the school. A parent to four Eisenhower graduates, Knobelsdorf spent many years attending the sports games and fine art performances of his children at the building. Also being involved in education as an adjunct professor at Wayne State University and Macomb Community College, the SRO position was a good fit for him.
Knobelsdorf’s commitment to public safety runs deep. For the past 10 years, he has been a bagpiper for the Metro Detroit Police & Fire Pipes & Drums corps.
The group honors police officers and firefighters throughout Michigan that are killed in the line of duty.
The 33-year veteran of law enforcement is enjoying the new connections he is making inside the building and in the community. “There are a lot of great kids here,” said Knobelsdorf, “and the staff is phenomenal.”
Source: Utica Community Schools
Dr. Christine Johns, Superintendent of Schools
