Officers get national award for work in schools

AURORA - After teaming up with Aurora Public Schools 13 years ago, the Aurora Police Department School Resource Officer Unit is getting recognized nationally for its work in schools and the community.

"It's our gold medal, it truly is," said Aurora Police Officer CJ Renaud.

Renaud documented and submitted all the work for the unit to be considered for the award at this year's annual meeting of the National Association of School Resource Officers.

"This was the most important assignment I've had with the Aurora Police Department in my 14 years of service," Renaud said.

The work paid off. This year the Aurora PD SRO unit earned the title "Model SRO Agency."

"It means we are recognized nationally as the best," Renaud explained.

To really understand what the award is all about, we spent some time with Central High School SROs Thom Abbott and Dwight Chaplin.

Combined, they are a team of officers with many, many subtitles.

"We try to interact with the kids, teaching classes, mentoring, and helping families," said Abbott.

"In some ways a father figure," added Chaplin. "I've even had some students call me dad."

As school resource officers, both admit their duties reach far beyond the school day. SROs regularly attend after-school events and many coach youth on the side.

"The students here are the future of this city and we want to build relationships with them," said Abbott.

The Aurora SRO unit is made up of more than 20 officers, and two sergeants. The team, which was formed in 1995, serves high schools and middle schools for Cherry Creek and Aurora Public Schools.