Officer Craig is SRO of the Year

Avon Schools Police Department School Resource Officer Richard Craig — @TheOfficerCraig for short — has been named Region 5 SRO of the Year by the National Association of School Resource Officers.

"I try to be the positive adult and role model in students lives that I wish I would have had at their age," says Officer Craig. "I was not perfect as a teen and often found myself in trouble, mainly because I didn't have positive guidance. I had great examples of what not to do. Young people are going to make mistakes. We all do. However, we have to make it hard for them to fail. That is my main objective."

Not only is Officer Craig making a genuine, lasting impression upon Avon's students, staff, and educators, he is making a worldwide impact through his creative, compelling use of TikTok. He joined the social network to build connections with students by meeting them where they are and, as illustrated in this recent WRTV report, he now reaches more than 127,000 followers through the platform.

"We are proud of the dedication Officer Craig shows to our kids, staff, and parents on a daily basis," says Avon Schools Police Department Chief Chase Lyday.

Congratulations, Officer Craig! Thank you for all you do in-person and online.