A school resource officer is responsible for safety and crime prevention in schools. This is a difficult task because they need crisis intervention training, communication with youth as well as school personnel, a thorough understanding of juvenile justice, and knowledge of and sensitivity to the social, emotional, and intellectual development of young people.

While working as a patrol officer, there would be times when School Resource Officer Ashley Pierce would respond to a call involving youth, and her presence alone would cause tension and prompt a negative response.

However, Officer Pierce hopes to “help change that perception of law enforcement by creating and building positive and trusting relationships with law enforcement,” Pierce said.

The biggest challenge she continues to face is breaking the barrier between students who have had negative interactions with law enforcement and changing their perception by showing she genuinely cares about them.

Officer Pierce rode with another officer to see what being part of the police is like, and after that, she knew that this was the career she wanted to pursue.

During training in 2012 after being hired by the Oviedo Police Department, Officer Gabriel Roberts met Officer Pierce and remembers her being kind and helpful. After becoming an SRO in 2016, Officer Pierce has been resourceful on many levels.

“By having an opportunity to work in the same unit, our paths crossed more often,” he said. “We are like-minded, have a lot in common, and bonded over time.”

During her 15 years as an SRO, Officer Pierce made it her goal to connect with the community in a variety of ways. One of them is through an annual holiday food and gift drive.

The Lifetime Achievement award is given to a school resource officer, current or retired, who exemplifies the true spirit of ‘Service before Self,’ through his or her actions by going above and beyond what is expected in areas of skill, significant contribution to the community, agency, and school safety as a whole.

“I was called by a FASRO committee member,” she said. “And after being told I was receiving this award, it made me feel that everything I do and continue to do for the kids and the community has made a difference.”

Officer Gabriel Roberts is happy that Officer Pierce is recognized for her selflessness, her genuineness and caring attitude, and her efforts to support as many people as possible.“She’s dedicated, hard-working, and does it all with a smile,” Roberts said.

What she truly loves about being an SRO is getting to know the kids in the community and getting the opportunity to watch them grow into successful young adults. Additionally, she loves helping the animals such as ducks, squirrels, and possums when they make their way on campus.

“I will always gravitate towards those who need additional support and encouragement in their lives,” Pierce said.