Jared Panek is serving as Clyde-Savannah Central School District's new school resource officer after the district named him to the role over the summer.
Panek is responsible for helping keep students and staff safe and maintaining a secure environment across the district, according to a school district announcement.
He previously worked in school security roles at Williamson Central School District and Newark Central School District, where he attended school. Panek also spent two years with the Village of Newark Police Department.
Panek said the daily contact with students is what draws him to working in schools.
“I really enjoy building relationships with kids,” he said in the district's announcement. “I think it makes a big difference when you tell them good morning, and greet them with a smile.”
During his time with Newark police, Panek said former students sometimes recognized him from school and felt less intimidated. He said he hopes to be a positive role model for students who may not otherwise know someone in law enforcement.
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