Being a School Resource Officer in Saco has delivered many positive rewards to not only the kids I work with, but also to myself. I consider myself to be lucky to work with the children in this community and am grateful for the experiences and successes they bring to this job. This year has been an exceptional year for me. I have had a balance of working directly with kids, parents, fellow officers and other personnel related to education.

My job consists of working with school-aged children from kindergarten through grade eight. My time is divided between working in the elementary grades and at the middle school. Some of the highlights from this year include:

• Annual Bike Rodeo and Bicycle Safety - These events takes place at the elementary schools. It teaches children the importance of bike safety. We teach the kids the ABC's of biking (proper Air pressure in tires, good Brakes, and working Chains). The kids also are fitted properly for their bike helmets using the Eyes, Ears, and Mouth test. In May, Patrol Officer Michael Mullen and I assisted in a bike rodeo at the Young School, where children bring their bikes to school for the day and practice safety while having fun riding their bikes. Overall, it is a fun day for all.
• Red E. Fox in the elementary grades - This program is taught by Dispatcher Michael Lamontagne and me, where it teaches children when to call 911 in an emergency.
• B.A.M. Day (Body and Mind) - This annual event at the Saco Middle School allows kids to choose an indoor or outdoor activity to burn off "cabin fever" energy that kids usually harbor during the winter months. Every year, Chief Brad Paul and I along with Patrol Officers Ken Foss and Seth Powers organize a trip to a local pond or lake to go ice fishing with a small group of students. We fish together and cook out for the day. It is one of my proudest moments with kids. It is a great opportunity for the students to see me and the officers assisting in a different light and out of the uniform. This type of activity strengthens our connections with the kids.
• O.C.Q.O.T.W (Officer Carrier's Question of the Week) Every week, I present a Grade 6 team at Saco Middle School with a question about Maine. We make it into a contest of the class vs. Officer Carrier. It is a real hit in the school and I am still asked about it by TA graduates when I see them years later.
• Internet Safety - I teach this class to Grade 6 classes at Saco Middle School.
• Field Trip Chaperone - I have had the privilege to chaperone many field trips outside the classroom setting including a trip to Boston and the Songo River.
• Alcohol and Drug Awareness - I teach this class to Grades 7 & 8 teams at Saco Middle School.