Fremont High School (FHS) has prioritized safety, especially in light of growing concerns over violence and vandalism. In response, the school has welcomed a new School Resource Officer (SRO) this year to ensure a secure environment for students and staff.
An SRO law enforcement officer assigned to monitor school grounds, maintain order, and ensure that students and staff are safe.
FHS did everything they could to fill the SRO vacancy, but due to staffing shortages at the Fremont Police Department, the position remained vacant until officer Hunter McKenzie accepted the position.
Before joining the Fremont Police Department, McKenzie gained valuable experience working in logistics with Maverick Distribution LLC. In March 2019, he transitioned into law enforcement, where he has served for over four years.
Students and staff have expressed their appreciation for officer McKenzie’s presence.
“I have not met him as a person, but I have heard great things about him,” science teacher Bailie Letzring-Hansen said. “I think it is great for us to have an SRO, and I appreciate how good of a job he does watching and monitoring the hallways during the day and after school.”
Music teacher Mark Harman agrees about the positive effect of officer McKenzie in the hallways.
“It’s very nice to have someone in the building,” Harman said. “It is also nice to know that we have an SRO in the building after so long. It is very hard to take on the role of a teacher and having to watch the halls at the same time, so I love that we have an SRO to help us out.”
While teachers express their appreciation of the added support in maintaining a secure environment, students also recognize the importance of having an SRO in school.
“I think it is a very good thing due to it [SRO] being a deterrent for school shootings and drug use because now we do have a resource officer in the building,” junior Landon Mcgee said.
McKenzie’s transition into his role as an SRO was driven by a desire to serve the community in a meaningful way and to contribute to public service. “I’ve always had a passion for law enforcement,” McKenzie said. “I’ve always had plans to be an SRO at some point in my career, so I figured, why not now.”
Reflecting on his start of the school year, he shared, “FHS has been great so far. Students, staff, and the administration have been super helpful,” McKenzie said. “Making a difference in people’s lives, one person at a time.”
