Dennis Drake, a student resource officer at Mount Union Area School District, is pictured in the senior high office.
By DELANEY RONK | Journalism Student, Mount Union Area Senior High School
Mount Union, Pa. — As school safety has become a growing concern across the country, student resource officers (SROs) play a vital role in protecting students and staff. At the Mount Union Area School District, SROs Dennis Drake and Kevin Barger work daily to help ensure a safe learning environment.
Dennis Drake spent 23 years as a Pennsylvania State Trooper before retiring. After leaving the force, he believed his career in policing was over. This was not because he disliked the work but because he had already devoted so much of his time to it. “I honestly thought I’d never do police work again, not because I didn’t like it, but because I felt I would never do it the same,” Drake said. However, his perspective changed when he was approached by the owner of G Force, a fellow retired state trooper. That opportunity led Drake back into law enforcement in a new way, this time within a school setting.
Drake explained that no two days as an SRO are ever the same. His routine varies depending on what is happening throughout the school. He begins each day by checking emails and preparing for whatever may arise. Drake also makes a point to be visible in the mornings so students know he is present. In addition, he actively participates in monthly safety meetings and emergency planning.
Alongside Drake, Kevin Barger serves as an SRO in the district. Barger spent 22 years working in corrections before retiring. Prior to that, he served eight years as a medic in the United States Air Force. Barger said he was drawn to the SRO position because he enjoys working with students and believes he can make a positive difference.
According to Barger, working in a school setting requires a very different approach than corrections or traditional law enforcement. Many situations are handled through communication and problem-solving rather than physical force. “Patience and understanding are essential, as students respond differently from adults,” Barger said.
Both Drake and Barger emphasize that SROs are not meant to make students feel uncomfortable. Instead, their goal is to support the safety of both students and staff. Building trust is an important part of the role for both officers, and Barger said he works to build that trust by talking with students and being approachable. Over the years, both officers have observed an increased focus on school safety, including greater attention to exterior security and early identification of potential risks.
Both officers work through G Force Security, a company that provides safety services to school districts throughout the state. G Force employs 29 armed security officers and also provides unarmed security for other events. The company is led by Bob Gano, a retired Pennsylvania State Police officer from the Harrisburg area.
Together, the work of SROs and G Force reflects a proactive approach to school safety that also impacts the community. As school environments continue to evolve, the presence of experienced officers who understand both security and student needs has become essential to maintaining safe schools.
This article was published as part of Ms. Dimoff’s Journalism class at Mount Union Area Senior High School.
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