During School Resource Officer Appreciation Week, the School District of Lancaster recognizes the individuals who help shape not only the safety of our schools, but the relationships within them. At Lincoln Middle School, Officer Miller is one of those steady presences whose impact is best understood through the voices of students themselves.
With five years of service as a police officer, including two years as a School Resource Officer, Officer Miller has become a trusted presence in the building. He greets students in the hallway, connects with them throughout the day, and makes himself available when someone needs to talk.
Eighth grader Jayvon Williams describes him simply. “He’s cool,” he said with a smile. When asked what makes him cool, Jayvon paused and added, “He listens to people.”
For students, being heard matters.
Jayvon shared that Officer Miller helped him earlier that very day. When situations feel overwhelming, Officer Miller takes time to talk things through. Instead of immediately escalating discipline, he talks about choices and possible consequences. He helps students think ahead. That balance of accountability and support is something students recognize.
Students also see Officer Miller beyond serious moments. From greeting students with a quick dap in the hallway to coaching after school basketball in the gym, he builds connection in ways that feel natural. Jayvon recalled playing on his basketball team. “He was a good coach,” he said. Those shared experiences allow students to see him not just as an officer, but as someone invested in their success.
Beyond safety, Officer Miller connects with students through shared interests. Jayvon remembered playing basketball after school when Officer Miller helped coach. Students picked teams and played in the gym together. “He was good,” Jayvon said about him as a coach. Moments like those allow students to see him not only as an officer, but as a mentor invested in their growth.
Jayvon described Officer Miller as someone who knows when to be serious and when to relax. “He’s serious when he can be,” he explained, “but he’s nice.” That balance makes him someone students feel comfortable approaching. When asked what advice he would give to students who might feel nervous talking to Officer Miller, Jayvon answered, “Just be calm. He’s not gonna get mad.”
Students also notice that Officer Miller speaks Spanish, which helps him connect with even more members of the school community. Those small bridges of communication strengthen belonging.
Chris Krokos reflected that the most important things often go unnoticed but have lasting impact. Greeting students by name. Listening without judgment. Offering guidance instead of punishment. Being a consistent presence. These small, everyday moments are often the ones that matter most.
Lt. Todd Grager of the Lancaster City Police Bureau, who supervises the School Resource Officers assigned to SDoL, describes each SRO as invaluable. Their relationships help bridge the gap between the Police Bureau and the community. For many students, their SRO is the primary interaction they have with law enforcement. That daily visibility shapes trust and understanding.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. April Hershey emphasizes that safety is rooted in relationships. Our officers are visible, trusted, and deeply connected to students, staff, and families. They work collaboratively to identify concerns early and respond thoughtfully, creating the conditions necessary for learning to thrive.
When asked what he would say directly to Officer Miller during SRO Appreciation Week, Jayvon answered without hesitation. “Thank you for protecting the school. And thank you for being here for me.”
Those words capture the heart of this week. Officer Miller and all of our School Resource and Security Officers remind us that safety grows from connection. Through everyday conversations, mentorship, and consistency, they help ensure that every student feels supported, respected, and safe at the School District of Lancaster.