During School Resource Officer Appreciation, the School District of Lancaster recognizes the officers and security professionals who help create a safe and supportive environment for students every day. Their work is often quiet and consistent, happening in hallways, classrooms, and offices through conversations that help students feel heard and understood.
At one of our middle schools, School Security Officer Fox has quickly become a trusted presence during his first year with the district.
Officer Fox brings five years of experience as a School Security Officer, serving in various schools and districts before joining the School District of Lancaster this year. While he’s new to SDoL, the relationships he’s already begun building with students reflect an important part of his approach.
For Officer Fox, relationships are at the center of the work. Building trust and confidence with students, families, and staff creates the foundation that allows issues to be addressed early and collaboratively. When people feel comfortable sharing concerns, it’s easier to work together to resolve challenges and support students in positive ways.
Students notice that effort.
Seventh grader Kiana Jennings described Officer Fox as someone who brings calm and kindness to the building.
“I think he’s nice. Very nice,” she said.
For Kiana, that kindness is especially meaningful during moments when emotions run high. Middle school can be a time when students are still learning how to navigate frustration, conflict, and stress. In those moments, Officer Fox often steps in with a calm approach.
“When I’m angry, he just tells me to come with him,” Kiana explained. “We go into the office and we talk.”
That simple invitation to pause and talk can help shift the direction of a difficult moment. Instead of escalating a situation, students are given space to reflect, cool down, and discuss what happened.
“He helps people when they’re angry,” Kiana said. “He’s just happy all the time.”
Those interactions might seem small, but they can have a powerful impact on how students experience school. When young people know there’s an adult they can talk to, it helps them feel safer and more supported throughout the day.
Chris Krokos, Coordinator of Safety for the School District of Lancaster, often points out that the most important work in school safety happens in these everyday interactions. Greeting students by name, listening without judgment, and offering guidance instead of punishment can change how students view authority and how they respond to challenges.
Lt. Todd Grager of the Lancaster City Police Bureau works closely with the district to support School Resource Officers and security staff. He describes these professionals as an essential bridge between schools and the broader community. For many students, the officers and security staff they see in school represent their primary interaction with public safety professionals.
Through positive relationships, those interactions help build trust that extends beyond the school building.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. April Hershey emphasizes that safe schools aren’t created solely through procedures or security measures. They’re built through relationships with adults who understand the culture of the school, recognize student needs, and respond thoughtfully to challenges. When students feel supported and respected, it strengthens the conditions necessary for learning.
Officer Fox contributes to that environment each day through his presence and willingness to connect with students.
When asked what she’d like to tell him, Kiana didn’t hesitate.
“He should work here forever,” she said with a smile. “Because he’s very nice and he helps people when they’re angry. A lot of people get angry sometimes, and he helps them calm down.”
It’s a reflection that captures the heart of the role. Sometimes the most important work happens in a quiet conversation that helps a student find their footing again.
Officer Fox’s most-used emoji is the thumbs up, a small symbol that mirrors the encouragement he offers students. His favorite ice cream flavor is mint chocolate chip, a detail students often enjoy learning when they get to know him.
As the School District of Lancaster celebrates SRO Appreciation, we thank Officer Fox for the care, patience, and dedication he brings to his role. Through everyday conversations, calm guidance, and genuine connection with students, he helps create a school environment where young people feel supported, respected, and ready to learn.