Southwick Police Officer Daniel Ryan presents a PowerPoint presentation to students in the Southwick Citizen Police Academy Tuesday night at the Southwick Fire Department. Ryan announced he accepted the position as the new Southwick School Resource Officer. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Police Department has a school resource officer (SRO) for the first time, ever.
Officer Daniel Ryan was approved by the Board of Selectmen last week as the SRO, primarily serving the high school and middle school population.
Police Chief David Ricardi said creating the position was something he has wanted to do for some time.
“We saw a need for this,” he said. “We received the funding and I’m excited.”
Ryan will start his new position this spring. Ricardi said because of staffing issues related to injuries, he is unable to relieve Ryan of his current duties right now.
Ricardi personally chose Ryan because he has a passion for working with youth.
“He is young. He’s got a passion for it. He likes talking with young people and he’s got an open mind,” Ricardi said.
Ricardi called Ryan “a wholesome police officer” and said he will bring a lot to the position.
The schools are not a serious problem, Ricardi said, but the Southwick Police do respond to calls there.
“We have our share of calls,” he said.
Calls to the schools are often for traffic issues. Other calls include found drugs or alcohol, fights, vandalism and instances of bullying. Ricardi said these are all situations an SRO can handle.
“He will be there when students are there and will be someone students can talk to and deal with any incidents,” Ricardi said. “He will handle those calls and traffic concerns – it’s a multi-purpose position.”
Ryan will have a daily presence on campus and will also offer classes on topics including texting safety, drug and alcohol use, junior operator license concerns, and more.
“Sometimes kids just need someone to talk to, whether it’s an issue at home or bullying,” Ricardi said. “He can relate to them. We are very excited.”
