Patrolman Christopher Ball, left, and Patrolman Kyle Gaspar will serve as School Resource Officers for Swansea Public Schools beginning this academic year. (Photo Courtesy Swansea Police Department)
SWANSEA — Chief Mark Foley and Superintendent Scott C. Holcomb are pleased to introduce Swansea Public Schools’ two new School Resource Officers (SROs), Patrolman Christopher Ball and Patrolman Kyle Gaspar.
Both officers will begin as SROs this school year. Patrolman Ball will be primarily assigned to Joseph Case Jr. High School and Joseph Case High School, while Patrolman Gaspar will be primarily assigned to the district’s elementary schools, including Joseph G. Luther, Elizabeth S. Brown, Gardner Elementary and Mark G. Hoyle schools.
Although both SROs have primary assignments, they will be cross-trained to work in all district schools.
As SROs, Patrolmen Ball and Gaspar will work with school administrators and staff to help maintain safe and secure learning environments and school events. They will also build relationships with students and staff, provide guidance on school safety and offer safety presentations and programs throughout the district.
Patrolman Ball has more than 18 years of experience with the Swansea Police Department and specialized training in youth engagement, mental health and school-based policing. He recently completed National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) Basic SRO Certification, Youth Mental Health First Aid and Integrating Communications, Assessment and Tactics (ICAT) training.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Fitchburg State College.
Patrolman Gaspar has more than 18 years of law enforcement experience across the local, private and federal sectors, including a combined 10 years with the Swansea Police Department.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, a master’s degree in intelligence and terrorism studies from American Military University and a master’s degree in criminal justice and leadership from Anna Maria College.
“We are confident Patrolmen Ball and Gaspar will be a positive presence in Swansea Public Schools,” said Chief Foley. “They are eager to build relationships with students and staff and be someone members of the school community know they can turn to. Both bring extensive law enforcement experience and specialized training to these roles, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will create on the school community.”
Patrolmen Ball and Gaspar were selected following an interview process that included representatives from both the Swansea Police Department and Swansea Public Schools.
“School Resource Officers play an important role in our schools, both in supporting school safety and building relationships with students,” said Superintendent Holcomb. “We are pleased to welcome Patrolmen Ball and Gaspar to the district and look forward to having them in our schools and getting to know our students, staff and families.”
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As SRO, Patrolman Christopher Ball will be primarily assigned to Joseph Case Jr. High School and Joseph Case High School. (Photo Courtesy Swansea Police Department)
As SRO, Patrolman Kyle Gaspar will be primarily assigned to the district’s elementary schools. (Photo Courtesy Swansea Police Department)
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