New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
CORRECTION: An earlier version of the article had the correct image of NBPD School Resource Officer Shane Harris in the body of the article but the wrong image in the header. Instead, it had NBPD Officer Gerald Harris as seen here. We’re not sure if there is a relation or not and the last name is just a coincidence, but it’s the wrong Harris. We apologize for any inconvenience and want the correct officer to be recognized.
NBPD School Resource Officer Shane Harris is being honored with the prestigious Regional Exceptional Service Award for the New England Region by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO). The Exceptional Service Award is presented to select individuals for their continuous and sustained service to their school community above and beyond that expected of a School Resource Officer.
Officer Harris has been an SRO at the Whaling City Jr./Sr. High School for 12 years. In an environment where students have experienced obstacles, both voluntary and involuntary, which has prohibited them from receiving an education in the traditional middle and high school setting, “Officer Harris has demonstrated the unique ability to make deliberate connections with some of our most at-risk students due to his personal experiences,” said John Tweedie, Principal of Whaling City Jr./Sr. High School, who nominated Harris for the award.
“Officer Harris is not shy about sharing his childhood experiences and discussing the external hardships and obstacles he has faced. Ofc. Harris grew up for a period of time in foster care and had his own “run-ins” with the law. Ofc. Harris uses these acute experiences to build strong relationships with our students and help steer students towards engaging in more positive activities, e.g. sports, school groups,” said Tweedie.
“Ofc. Harris consistently volunteers his time after hours to meet with students individually, work with them on their academics, help with specific gang-related issues they are facing, give them rides home, and meet wit their parents. Ofc. Harris embodies the word “resource” in SRO. He sponsors children during the holidays and often spends hundreds of dollars to
make their holiday special,” added Tweedie in his nomination letter.
After reviewing Officer Harris’ nomination it is overwhelmingly clear that he should be recognized for his service and dedication to the students and faculty, said Richard Halloran, NASRO Regional 4 Representative. “He exemplifies all the qualities and commitment of an exceptional SRO. Our Awards Committee unanimously voted on his selection.”
NBPD Chief Paul Oliveira commends Ofc. Harris for being an exemplary role model to students and other officers. “Ofc. Harris is a shining example of all that is right with policing. We are incredibly proud of the difference he makes every day and congratulate him for this recognition.”
The award ceremony will take place in Florida in July
