Page 78 - Middleborough 2024 Town Report

M I D D L E B O R O U G H
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Oficer Porter, Oficer Valerio and Oficer Wiksten are
involved in several diferent extracurricular
activities. School Resource Oficers (SROs) have
become a unique and engaging incentive for school
fundraisers and education programs, helping to
motivate students and support school initiatives.
Their participation in activities like getting pied in
the face, sitting in a dunk tank, or even giving a
student a ride to school in a police car has added an
exciting and personal touch to these eforts. These
creative incentives not only encourage students to
meet goals, such a reading a certain number of books
or raising funds for school projects, but also build
positive relationships between students and law
enforcement. By making themselves approachable
and relatable, SROs help foster a sense of
community, trust, and enthusiasm within schools.
Oficer Porter contributes to MHS as a volunteer assistant
coach for the varsity baseball team, mentoring students and
building positive relationships with law enforcement.
Oficer Porter further supported the school community by
presenting at a faculty professional development day where
he provided valuable training to the district secretaries
regarding the importance of communication, awareness and
proactive measures in identifying and addressing safety
concerns.
Oficer Wiksten continues to lead the freshman basketball
team as their head coach, allowing him to foster
relationships with students on and of the court. Oficer
Wiksten participates in many class fundraising events and
pep rally activities including the Senior Mystery Ride.
Oficer Wiksten with the assistance of Oficer Porter has
developed a curriculum-based mentor program allowing
students to learn about the diferent aspects of law
enforcement and the criminal justice system.
Oficer Valerio and several members of the
Middleborough Police Department had a role in
HBB’s yearly lip dub video and Oficer Valerio
participated in the MKG fith-grade talent show.
Oficer Valerio also organized and led an ater-school
program called the Junior Police Club at the MKG and
HBB elementary schools, where students
participated in eight weeks of lessons focused on
safety at school, home, and in our community. The
program which is designed to educate students on
safety practices while fostering responsibility and
awareness, featured special guests who provided
hands on learning experiences. Programs like this
not only teach practical safety skills but also
emphasize compassion, teamwork, and the value of
building connected communities.
The School Resource Oficers participated in a number of
Webinars and Conferences to increase their knowledge and
foster their skills within the school setting. Webinars
included topics such as bomb threats and swatting hoaxes,
and reducing chaos during an active threat. These webinars
provided invaluable information and resources to help keep
the students and schools safe during a crisis. The 2024
NASRO National School Safety Conference provided the
school resource oficers with a variety of training sessions
and guest speakers to enhance their knowledge as well.
Topics ranged from fostering positive relationships with
students, building trust within school communities, mental
health support for students, as well as strategies to
preventing school-based violence. Their participation in
these webinars and conferences highlight the school
resource oficers’ commitment to continuous learning and
their dedication to fostering safe, supportive, and secure
school environments.
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