Funding was announced last week; officer begins new position this week
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
Kennett Square and school officials are wasting no time in taking advantage of a state grant announced last week.
The borough’s Police Department and Kennett Consolidated School District were among the winners of funding for a school resource officer. “This grant in the amount of $56,048 will allow us to place a full-time police officer in the school to work together on public safety issues,” said Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick.
Fetick said that members of Borough Council and the school board had supported the joint grant application. In addition, State Sen. Dominic Pileggi and State Rep. Chris Ross wrote letters of recommendation, Fetick said.
Kennett Square Police Chief Edward Zunino said that this week Officer Sarah London would begin working in the position, which will rotate between the high school and the kindergarten center. London is already well known to many area students since she volunteers at the Garage and with programs such as Study Buddies and After the Bell. She has also been a counselor for the past three years at Camp Cadet, a youth summer program run by the Pennsylvania State Police.
In recommending the arrangement, school and borough officials said that having a trusted officer in the schools would not only improve safety but would also likely prevent problems. “We look forward to working together on this new joint venture of a school resource officer,” said Fetick.
Great news, but one Officer to shuttle between schools is not good enough, there is need for one minimum, in all the schools. Remember, they are charged with protecting the most precious gift the Lord has given us.