Senator Gallivan Leads Senate in Recognizing School Resource Officers

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C, Elma) says the New York State Senate is recognizing school resource officers (SRO’s) for the vital role they play in keeping schools and communities safe. Senator Gallivan, a former Trooper and Sheriff of Erie County, sponsored a resolution memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim February 15, 2025, as National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day in New York State. 

“SROs are sworn law enforcement officers trained to keep students, faculty and staff safe in schools across the state,” Senator Gallivan said. “These dedicated men and women also collaborate with administrators, teachers, and parents to foster positive relationships with students, develop safety procedures and help to identify and resolve potential conflicts. They are valuable and essential members of the education community.”

Senator Gallivan is a staunch proponent of the use of SRO’s and sponsors several pieces of legislation that would help New York school districts fund and expand the program. According to the U.S. Department of Education, about half of New York public schools had one or more law enforcement officers working at least part-time during the school year. Nationally, about 30 percent of all public schools had an SRO during the 2020-21 school year.    

The National Association of School Resource Officers is dedicated to making schools and children safer by providing the highest quality training to school-based law enforcement officers. SRO programs across the nation bring police agencies, law enforcement officers, school districts and educators together to create safe learning environments.

The Senate Resolution was adopted by the full Senate on January 14, 2025.

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