TxSSC
School Safety Spotlight Awards
Outstanding Individual Service
(Past Winners)
- indicates an overall recipient for fiscal year.
Sergeant Scott Knight, Collin College
Outstanding Individual Service
Sergeant Scott Knight manages and coordinates training for the 66 sworn officers, eight dispatchers and one civilian employee who serve Collin College. Since Sergeant Knight was assigned to the training division two years ago, he has built a well-organized, effective division from the ground up.
In 2021, Sergeant Knight coordinated more than 7,448 contact hours of training for the department and is on track to surpass that number in 2022. The training covers a variety of topics including firearms, active attack training, critical incident training, mental health, crime scene and evidence, sexual assault, leadership, trauma-affected veterans, Clery/Title IX, TCOLE mandated training, and field training for new officers. Sergeant Knight has also coordinated several training events that included Collin College’s police and fire academy students.
Sergeant Knight is carrying out the mission of the college - to help develop skills, strengthen character, and challenge the intellect - within the agency by coordinating an on-going training environment that focuses on the needs of officers and the community they serve. His engagement in creating and maintaining a high level of training enables the department to provide top-level service to the community and achieve the goal of a safe learning environment for students.
“Training is a fundamental key to success for any organization. The evolving nature of law enforcement dictates that we must learn new skills along with keeping known skills sharp. Confident, trained police officers will provide a better service to our communities and students.”
Ty Morrow, Brazosport ISD
Outstanding Individual Service
Ty Morrow is the Coordinator of Safety, Security, and Emergency Management for Brazosport Independent School District (BISD). He brings nearly forty years of public service, with a concentration in law enforcement, security, and education to his role. Ty coordinates with 19 campus principals, 33 assistant principals, 1,800 teachers and staff, and 11,500 students to ensure they are keenly aware of all safety, security, and emergency management protocols for the district. Mr. Morrow stays abreast of best practices in the field of school safety and security, follows emerging trends, and reviews legislative changes for new requirements and impacts on district operations.
His unique set of experiences creates a sense of credibility and trust from the various entities within the district. Because of his extensive law enforcement background, BISD police officers and the district’s safety specialists trust him and have confidence in his knowledge and skills. Because he has been a paraprofessional and a special education teacher, teachers and paraprofessionals know he understands their perspective and trust his guidance. Because he is heavily involved in community leadership, church activities, and mentoring programs, those in the community have relationships with him and trust him. All of these relationships influence his ability to shape safety and security measures within the schools and district.
"What I most enjoy about my work/service is the ability to pour God's love through me into every student I encounter daily. I use these daily interactions to plant little seeds of hope, love, ambition, fortitude, and a desire that will one day shape these students into becoming men and women full of God's Love. The students from Brazoswood's Air Force ROTC training program (pictured here with Ty Morrow) embody the testament of service represented in 1 Peter 4:10. They have started their journey of service to others by participating in the ROTC program at their school.”
Quarter 4 (FY21)
Officer Nicole Emidy, Katy ISD
Outstanding Individual Service
When Katy ISD tasked Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator, Officer Nicole Emidy, with updating the district and campus emergency operations plans (EOPs), she met with members of the special education department, then developed a special needs annex for the district EOP and a method for quickly identifying classrooms that include students with special needs.
As an officer, Nicole was able to describe to staff members how officers may enter an area during an emergency, get feedback on how their students might react to such an incident, and use the feedback to train officers in her department and other first responders.
Nicole implemented the practice of adhering orange triangles to the doors of self-contained classrooms serving students with special needs on every campus. These triangles alert first responders that the students may need additional assistance during an emergency. Nicole integrated this method into the EOP and has made it a part of her training for first responders.
In addition, Nicole devised a way to repurpose strobes used for door-propped-open alarms to create a visual cue for students who are deaf that a lockdown has been initiated.
“I have the privilege of working in a school district that prioritizes safety and inclusion for all students and staff. I’ve had the honor to work with members of the district’s Special Education Department and the dedicated Katy ISD police officers to identify methods to meet the needs of students and staff while promoting a safe and secure environment. The implementation of the special needs annex and the application of the orange triangles acknowledges and protects unique student needs as well as ensures the safety of students, staff, and first responders in the event of an emergency.”
Dr. Xochitl Rodriguez, Fort Bend ISD
Outstanding Individual Service
Dr. Xochitl Rodriguez is the Assistant Superintendent of Student Affairs in Fort Bend ISD. Under her leadership, the district has developed a comprehensive threat assessment program, including an escalation procedure with highly trained mental health professionals to not only give immediate response and guidance to campuses but also to be on call with the Fort Bend ISD Police Department in cases of threats after hours.
Fort Bend ISD has partnered with Sandy Hook Promise to implement programs such as Start with Hello, SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere) Promise Clubs, and the See Something, Say Something App. Students can also use the Fort Bend ISD tip line to report concerns.
Dr. Rodriguez has ensured that every program in her division related to school safety (teen dating violence, threats, bullying, harassment/sexual harassment) all use evidence-based practices. Dr. Rodriguez’s leadership, vision, and insight drive the actions taken by campuses and campus leaders to keep the district a safer place.
“The work that has been accomplished could not have been done without a team of individuals that seek to make students the core of everything we do. From threat assessment, discipline, and Title IX issues, as a team, we seek ways to be innovative, thoughtful, and always equitable in how we meet the needs of every student. Together, we will continue to implement and assess our programs to ensure continuous improvement. I really enjoy working with a team that is as dedicated and willing to dream big with me!”
Pat Lamb, Garland ISD
Outstanding Individual Service
Garland ISD Director of Safety & Security, Pat Lamb, has dedicated 24 years to keeping students, staff, and community members safe. He single-handedly introduced the entire region to the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) from the “I Love U Guys” Foundation when he invited John Michael Keyes to present in Garland in August of 2015.
Mr. Lamb launched the Anonymous Alerts App, which provides anonymous reporting of more than 50 issues by students, parents, and staff. He has also implemented and ingrained into the district culture something he calls "PAT":
- Positive engagement immediately with unbadged visitors.
- Anyone is empowered to call a lockdown.
- Teach with classroom doors locked.
He involves every stakeholder in the school organization (from custodian to bus driver to community senior citizen and superintendent) in safety procedures. With his staff, Mr. Lamb ensures that every aspect of school safety is measured and tested. He goes above and beyond to continually monitor the quality, performance, and reliability of safety procedures, thereby, saving lives.
“I’m surrounded by a district full of professionals who believe in security first. Our thought is that students and teachers will perform at their highest level when they feel safe. To that end, we’ve implemented a robust security system with highly dedicated security officers, many of whom are former military and law enforcement members. Our school board and senior staff are resolved to do whatever is necessary to ensure this safety and security remains foremost.”
Quarter 4 (FY-19)
Trey King, Sweeny ISD
Outstanding Individual Service
Trey King is a freshman at Sweeny High School and a dual credit student at Brazosport College seeking an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice. Trey serves on Sweeny ISD’s Safety Advisory Committee and Long-range Facilities Planning Committee. As a leader with the Office of Student Involvement, Trey is responsible for ensuring that students feel welcome and want to come to school each day. He is a certified CRASE Training instructor and will work with Sweeny ISD to provide training for district staff and students. Trey has worked with others to implement violence prevention programs such as Start with Hello Week. Trey serves on many groups and committees alongside district administrators and, as a student representative, influences safety measures through collaborative planning.
“I enjoy the opportunity to make a difference not only in my school, but also other schools in our area. I have had the opportunity to serve on multiple committees for Sweeny ISD, which allowed me to give a student viewpoint. I plan to continue my education at Sam Houston State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in Homeland Security Studies.”
Larry Rodriguez
Outstanding Individual Service
As the School Safety Consultant for ESC Region 20, Larry Rodriguez has been involved in many initiatives to enhance school safety. He helped to establish the Handle with Care Program, which provides a true trauma-informed approach, allowing area law enforcement officers to directly notify school districts if they encounter a child during a police call. He facilitates numerous school safety workshops at ESC 20 and regular District Chiefs of Police and District Safety Directors meetings, allowing district staff to discuss school safety concerns and share best practices. Mr. Rodriguez is part of the San Antonio Fusion Threat Assessment Team and many other safety-related committees. His dedication to improving school safety and building relationships between schools and community partners has had a beneficial impact on schools throughout the region.
“What I enjoy most about my work are all the relationships I have developed through the process of implementing school safety within our region. I have meet so many wonderful people who are willing to share their time and knowledge to bring about a safer community. ”
Dr. Cissy Reynolds-Perez
Outstanding Individual Service
Dr. Cissy Reynolds-Perez uses unique and innovative approaches to address school safety. As the principal of W.B. Ray High School in Corpus Christi, she implemented “Stop the Bleed” training for all sophomores; established “Bear-Time, an opportunity for students to share personal thoughts with an adult; started a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT); and encouraged student involvement in school safety through student-led panels. She is continuing her commitment to school safety in her new role as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction and Human Resources for West Oso ISD, by bringing many of these programs to her new district. Dr. Reynolds-Perez participated in the Governor’s roundtable discussions on school safety last spring and formerly served on the board of the Texas School Safety Center.
“I am blessed to live each day in the field of education where we have the unique and powerful opportunity to mold the extremely precious decisions that are literally transforming the next generation. The education and safety of our students are entrusted to us; therefore, we must guide our students with our wisdom and experience to make decisions that will make our world a much better and safer place.”
Quarter 2 (FY-19)
Officer Roger Askew, Spring Hill ISD
Outstanding Individual Service
As part of a proactive approach to school safety, Officer Roger Askew developed a leadership class for young men who are considered at risk. Officer Askew serves as a mentor for these students and develops their trust which has resulted in improved attendance, homework completion, respect for authority, and behavior by the participants. By reaching these students at an early age, his goal is to keep them out of trouble and point them to success. Officer Askew also plays a key role in all areas of school safety.
“I enjoy building relationships with the students, getting to know them, and then being there for them. I have found, through my years as a School Resource Officer that I have a passion for working with the "At-Risk" students. I hold them accountable daily but also show them love when they need it. Many times, it feels like everyone has given up on them, but I'm there to prove to them that we have not given up and will continue to help them work toward being successful.”
Craig Bessent, Assistant Superintendent, Wylie ISD
Outstanding Individual Service
Mr. Craig Bessent has been a Texas educator for 38 year and recently has been the driving force in securing school safety personnel for his district. He assists with and creates school safety training in the community with local law enforcement. He collaborates with law enforcement departments across the state of Texas to provide school safety training and uses his training to provide evidence-based practices. Mr. Bessent served as a member of Governor Abbott's Roundtable on School Safety and as an advisor to the Texas Senate and House of Representatives on safety in schools and homeland security. Mr. Bessent has been the guiding force in school districts adopting a school safety program and employing school marshals. Wylie ISD is grateful for the program he has developed to keep the students and staff safe.
“Creating and maintaining a safe school environment is one of the most important steps in creating a positive school climate. The long-term results of that safe culture can improve learning performance as well as aid in crisis intervention and possibly reroute students that may be on a pathway to violence.”
Quarter 4 (FY-18)
Lt. Michelle White, San Antonio ISD
Outstanding Individual Service
Lieutenant Michelle White is an outstanding member of the San Antonio ISD Police Department, who is dedicated to training district staff on all aspects of school safety. Lt. M. White is also an instrumental part of the Children’s CIT training, not only to the SAISD PD, but also to other departments in the area. She utilizes the Texas School Safety Center, the “I Love You Guys” Foundation materials, and her own past experience in working with mental health providers and other agencies to make her training unique and applicable.
“Lieutenant Michelle White is a motivated individual dedicated to training all staff of the San Antonio ISD in all aspects of student/staff safety. Her experience, as well as her collaboration with mental health providers and other agencies make her training unique. In addition to playing a great part in drills, assessments, and maintaining a dedicated group of Emergency Operations officers to assist her, Lt. White is an instrumental part of the Children’s CIT training not only to the SAISD Police Department, but to other departments throughout the area.“
Quarter 3 (FY-18)
Chief George White, Anna ISD
Outstanding Individual Service
Chief White has served the students and staff of Anna ISD as a School Resource Officer, and in 2017, he completed his first year as Anna ISD Police Chief. The Anna ISD School Board trusted his years of experience in law enforcement in which led to the creation of the Anna ISD police program and setting forth its policies. Chief White oversees the district’s Defender Program and collaborates with safety professionals from the United State military to design creative ways to ensure that all campuses remain safe for all staff and students.
“Chief White has made a tremendous impact on making the campuses at Anna ISD safer. He maintains visibility on all campuses and creates positive relationships with students and parents which build trust. All decisions regarding policies and procedures are made to ensure that the individuals in the district are safe.”
- indicates an overall recipient for fiscal year.