In addition to the many students and teachers celebrating the first day of the 2021-’22 school year, two members of the East Haven Police Department (EHPD) also went back to school. Officer Nicole Burrell and Officer George Gerosa were named school resource officers (SRO)—a position that hasn’t been part of the East Haven Public Schools since 2011.

“It was a collaborative approach as part of the Police Department’s and the Superintendent’s Office to help bridge the gap between police and the youth and further improve school safety,” said Police Chief Ed Lennon. “We received strong support from the mayor and the Town Council to bring the SROs back to the schools.”

The funding for the SRO positions comes from the town’s side of the budget, falling under the Police Department. In addition, the Town of East Haven received a $125,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice that will help fund the program.

The SROs are assigned on schools days to the high school and middle school. When school is not in session, Burrell and Gerosa will be assigned regular patrol duties.

Both officers went through an internal process to be considered for their respective assignments. They were interviewed as a collaborative process between the EHPD and school administrators.

“They both have great interpersonal skills and really enjoy interacting with children,” said Lennon. “ The role of the SROs is very complex. First and foremost, their number-one job is school and public safety. Although safety comes first, it is very important that they forge positive relationships with the students and staff. These relationships help reduce police intervention both in and out of school. The SROs also serve as mentors for the youth they work with.”

Burrell, who has been with the EHPD since 2013, will serve at East Haven High School. Prior to becoming a police officer, she was a physical education and health teacher for seven years and still maintains her teacher certification. Burrell enjoys an active lifestyle, playing soccer and lacrosse and competing in gymnastics and competitive cheerleading, also coaching the latter two. She is currently a Level 1 Crossfit instructor and bootcamp coach.

Gerosa will be the SRO at Melillo Middle School. Growing up in the area, he transferred to the EHPD in 2018 as a certified police officer. He is a certified field training officer who trains newly hired officers after they graduate the police academy. Gerosa is a graduate of the University of New Haven where he played football and holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Prior to being hired as a police officer, Gerosa worked on and around boats and has a passion for all things related to boating and fishing.

With community policing being a priority for the EHPD, Lennon is excited to bring SROs back into East Haven’s schools.

“It helps humanize the officers when they interact in school and shows the youth that they are more than just a uniform and a badge; furthermore, that officers are there to help solve problems and deal with issues before they become bigger issues,” said Lennon. “We are excited to bring the SROs back and look forward to improving school safety and community engagement with each of them. As they gain more experience, we are confident they will help bridge the gap of police and youth relations to further provide better public safety to the town.”