Before the first bell rings, Randolph Hernandez wants students and families to see a familiar face.
That early-morning presence says a lot about how the School District of Lancaster’s new School Safety Officer approaches his role. Safety depends on preparation, sound procedures and a dependable response when something happens. Hernandez also knows that trust often begins with smaller moments. A greeting at the door, a conversation in the hallway or a quick check-in can help students feel comfortable turning to him when they need support.
Hernandez joins SDoL with eight years of experience working in school safety. After graduating from the Municipal Police Academy, he spent five years as a School Police Officer in the York City School District. He then served for three years as the K-12 Safety and Security Manager for Columbia Borough School District.
Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, Hernandez has called Lancaster County home since 2006. His connection to the community also includes Leadership Lancaster’s Class of 2014, the Latino Empowerment Project’s Class of 2013 and training with the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office Youth Aid Panel.
That combination of professional experience and local involvement has shaped his understanding of what students need from the adults responsible for keeping their schools safe.
“My primary responsibility is to help keep students, staff and families safe,” Hernandez said. “I want students to know that they can trust me.”
Students should feel comfortable approaching him for a conversation, confiding in him or asking for help when they don’t know where else to turn.
“There’s no problem we can’t find a solution to,” he said.
Hernandez is nearing completion of a dual degree program in Criminal Justice and Police Science. His professional training covers school safety leadership, crime prevention, adolescent mental health and emergency response.
He also holds instructor certifications in ALICE Enhanced Lockdown procedures, Stop the Bleed, CPR, first aid and AED response. Hernandez is also a NASRO Certified Advanced SRO.
That preparation equips him for emergencies, although much of his work happens through the daily routines that help schools remain organized, safe and welcoming.
Hernandez will be based primarily at Wheatland Middle School while also serving SDoL schools in Lancaster Township, Milestones and King Elementary. He makes every effort to attend two school arrivals each morning so students and families see a familiar face from the moment they reach campus.
At Wheatland, Hernandez will work alongside Officer Alan Houck, who supports several of the district’s middle and elementary schools through SDoL’s SRO-SSO model.
“Randolph brings a lot of experience to the district, but what stands out most is how intentional he is about getting to know the students, staff and families he serves,” Houck said. “He understands that school safety starts with being present, approachable and consistent. I’m glad to have him as a partner at Wheatland and across the schools we support.”
That relationship-focused approach is already being noticed at Burrowes Elementary School.
“Burrowes is excited to welcome Officer Hernandez to our school community,” Senior Community School Director Dr. Alex Rohrer said. “In the short time we have had him, he has already made himself known at the school, being present and connecting with folks. Ensuring people feel familiar and comfortable with him is so important not only for him to do his job but also supports our commitment to a safe school environment for all. We look forward to the partnership over the school year to come!”
Burrowes Elementary Principal Michele Duroni said Hernandez’s investment in the school extends beyond his safety responsibilities.
“Officer Hernandez brings more than a commitment to school safety. He brings a genuine desire to be part of our school community,” Duroni said. “He is invested in building relationships, supporting our students and staff, and helping create a school environment where everyone feels safe, supported and valued.”
“I don’t use the word ‘typical’ when describing my day because, in school safety, there really is no typical day,” Hernandez said.
Whenever possible, Hernandez visits each of the buildings he serves during the day. Plans can change quickly depending on the district’s needs. He may be assisting with a safety drill, responding to an unexpected situation, working on a safety initiative or helping the safety team provide an organized dismissal.
He also sees his position as a way to support the educators and administrators who work most closely with students. His goal, he said, is “to make their jobs easier” so employees can remain focused on educating and caring for students.
“Smile, say hello, acknowledge people when you see them and take the time to start a conversation,” he said. “Sometimes a simple ‘Good morning’ or asking someone how their day is going can make a real difference.”
Those interactions help students become comfortable with the people responsible for their safety. They also support SDoL’s commitment to creating schools where students feel valued, cared for and secure.
Outside of work, Hernandez enjoys traveling, meeting people and learning about different cultures. His recent travels included Italy, Greece and Puerto Rico. When he is closer to home, he can often be found at the gym, spending time outdoors or reading the next great American novel on his porch.
Students may also be surprised to learn that Hernandez’s family connection to the School District of Lancaster spans generations. Members of his family have dedicated more than 60 years of combined service to SDoL as administrators and educators at Jackson Middle School and McCaskey High School. Their roles included teaching home economics and industrial arts.
His son is a proud McCaskey graduate who participated in ROTC, while his brother-in-law was a member of the McCaskey marching band. Hernandez’s partner was also involved in both band and orchestra when she wasn’t on the field playing field hockey. His partner attended Wickersham Elementary, and his brother-in-law attended Lincoln Junior High.
Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. April Hershey said Hernandez joins a team whose work supports the safety and well-being of the entire school community.
“There is nothing more important than the safety and well-being of our students and staff,” Dr. Hershey said. “At the School District of Lancaster, we are blessed to have an incredible team of School Resource Officers and School Security Officers who show up every day with professionalism, compassion, and a deep commitment to our schools. Safety and security is a responsibility we take very seriously, and we are grateful for the relationships these dedicated professionals build with our students, staff, and families every day. We are thrilled to welcome Officer Hernandez to our team.”
As he begins his first year with SDoL, Hernandez wants students to remember one simple message.
“I’m here for them,” he said. “My goal is to be someone students can rely on throughout their time at SDoL. I want the students to know that I’m in their corner and genuinely want to see them succeed.”