MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Murfreesboro Police Department’s School Safety Division (SSD) has been honored with the prestigious Model SRO Agency Award by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) for its innovative and impactful approach to school-based policing within Murfreesboro City Schools.

The award was presented during NASRO’s 35th annual School Safety Conference held on July 8 in Grapevine, Texas. Representing the department, SSD Lieutenant Chris Williams and School Resource Officers Joshua Burkhart, Caleb Donnell, and Austin Ernst accepted the award.

"This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our students and school communities," said Lt. Williams. "Our division exists to intervene as law enforcement, serve as public safety educators, and act as mentors to the young people we protect. This award is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our team, and we will continue striving to set the standard for school-based policing."

According to NASRO, the Model SRO Agency Award is given to departments that exemplify the “triad concept,” which highlights an SRO’s role as an informal counselor, public safety educator, and law enforcement officer. Agencies are also recognized for implementing creative and forward-thinking strategies in their school-based policing programs.

Murfreesboro’s SSD was one of only ten agencies nationwide to receive the honor—and the only agency in Tennessee recognized with this year’s award.

About NASRO - NASRO is a nonprofit organization for school-based law enforcement officers, school administrators, and school security and safety professionals working as partners to protect students, school faculty and staff, and the schools they serve. NASRO is headquartered in Hoover, Alabama, and was established in 1991. For more information, visit www.nasro.org.