TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Public Schools surprised three officers with celebrations of their School Resource Officer of the Year awards on May 13 and 19.

Officer Andrea Palmerino was named Elementary School Resource Officer of the Year. Officer Randall Murphy was named Middle School Resource Officer of the Year. Officer Roy Mitchell was named High School Resource Officer of the Year.

“BCPS is fortunate to have these exemplary SROs working alongside our teachers, administrators, and staff every day to keep our students safe and our schools welcoming and productive,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers. “Not only are these SROs effective and caring peace officers, but they also serve as mentors and role models for our students. We owe them our gratitude and congratulations for being such important and positive resources for BCPS children and schools.”

Palmerino’s 27-year BCPD career includes a decade as an SRO. She is assigned to 13 southeast area schools: Battle Grove, Battle Monument, Bear Creek, Berkshire, Charlesmont, Chesapeake Terrace, Colgate, Dundalk, Edgemere, Grange, Logan, Norwood, and Sandy Plains elementary schools. Principal Cheryl Brooks of Berkshire Elementary School wrote, “Officer Palmerino goes far beyond what is expected in her role. She is a visible, consistent, and reassuring presence for staff, students, and families.”

Murphy is a 23-year veteran of BCPD and has been an SRO for 16 years. He is currently assigned to Deer Park Middle Magnet School. Assistant Principal Daniel Miller wrote, “Officer Murphy is deeply committed to educating students about the role of police in society and addressing critical law enforcement-related issues.”

Mitchell has spent eight of his 25 years as an SRO with the police. He is assigned to Dundalk High School. Officers Andrew Minton and Dawn Abbene wrote, “The students respect Officer Mitchell and how he is a positive role model they can look up to. Officer Mitchell often speaks to students about police-related topics and why police may respond to certain calls for service and how.”

Eric Knox, executive director of the BCPS Department of School Safety, said the three officers are excellent representatives of the SROs in the school system.

“Every day, they bring professionalism, compassion, and intelligence to their work,” he said. “Congratulations — and many thanks — to them and to the partnership BCPS enjoys with the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) in our shared mission to support school safety.”

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo (from left to right): Officer Andrea Palmerino, Officer Roy Mitchell, Officer Randall Murphy – via BCPS

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