Central Bucks South SRO Retiring After 26 Years In Law Enforcement

WARRINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — Warrington Township Police Officer Robert Bell Jr. is retiring after 26 years in law enforcement, including his most recent assignment as the Student Resource Officer at Central Bucks High School South.

After serving in the United States Coast Guard, Officer Bell attended and graduated from the Montgomery County Police Academy. In 1995, he joined the Warrington Township Police Department and worked in Warrington until 2000. After a brief leave to explore other career options, he returned in 2003 and continued his long tenured career with the department.

Throughout his career, Officer Bell received numerous letters of recognition, commendations, and awards. He was involved in several notable arrests during his career including stopping and arresting two separate subjects for armed robberies while they were still armed.

Officer Bell was recently recognized for contributing to saving a student going through a mental health event from severe injuries.

Throughout his career, Officer Bell took part in hundreds of hours of training and was part of several specialized units, including the Bucks County Sworn Narcotics Team, the Warrington Township Police Honor Guard, and was one of the original members of the South-Central Emergency Swat Team.

Bell credits retired Police Chief James Miller for refusing to take no for an answer and pushing him into his most difficult, but rewarding assignment as the School Resource Officer at Central Bucks South High School.

Officer Bell recognized two Central Bucks South students earlier this spring for taking quick action at an accident scene.

"In this position, he was a protector, a mentor, and an informal counselor while still being a police officer," said Chief David Friel. "It was in this position that he took the most professional satisfaction and turned down the possibility of advancement to continue with the assignment.

"He is most proud of his lifelong relationships with staff, students, and parents," added Chief Friel. "To the students he affected and interacted with throughout his tenure, he'd like to be remembered as making a positive contribution to their lives.

"We wish Officer Bell the best of luck and happiness in his retirement," said Chief Friel.