As teachers, students, and parents get ready for another school year, officers with the Boerne Police Department are also gearing up for the start of classes.
The department provides nine school resource officers (SROs) through a partnership with the Boerne Independent School District. An SRO is assigned to each school in Boerne where they help to ensure a safe and secure learning environment.
Each year, SROs undergo hours of additional training to be prepared to respond to emergency situations and in moments of crisis. In 2024, Boerne SROs responded to 489 calls for service, an 11 percent increase from the previous school year.
These officers are dedicated to serving as mentors for students and encouraging them during their time in school and beyond. SROs also help to establish a positive relationship with students and law enforcement.
From elementary to high school, each campus has its own culture. Tapping into that culture and the needs of the students can look very different for each SRO.
For younger students, seeing an SRO might be the first interaction they have with law enforcement, which gives the officer a chance to establish a positive connection. By the time they reach high school, some students might have a negative outlook on law enforcement, which presents an opportunity for an SRO to repair that relationship and foster a new mindset.
As classes start Aug. 12, each day is an opportunity for the SROs of the Boerne Police Department to be a part of the success of our students.
Meet the SROs
Sgt. Bo Patton, SRO Division Supervisor
Campus: Boerne Academy/DEAP
Experience: Third year as SRO
“The most rewarding thing is seeing the positive growth and impact we can have. I worked with a student last year who was at the alternative campus and came over to the Boerne Academy. He ended up graduating early and did really well in that new environment and has started trade school.”
Cpl. David Chavez
Campus: Kendall Elementary
Experience: Sixth year as SRO
“A quote that keeps me motivated is, ‘Every child deserves a hero.’ I think that speaks volumes to what every SRO is here to do. That is the driving force that keeps me coming back every year to do this.”
Officer Nick McWright
Campus: Curington Elementary
Experience: Fourth year as SRO
“I try to be a mentor figure for the kids, someone they can come to, hang out, and give high-fives, but also teach them that law enforcement is here to help them.”
Officer Roger Fuentes
Campus: Boerne High School
Experience: Fourth year as SRO
“I’m with the high schoolers, so I’m with them at a time when they might need some extra encouragement. They are going through a lot of things, so I’m there to help them out.”
Officer Ryan Cook
Campus: Cibolo Creek Elementary
Experience: Third year as SRO
“I love the energy the kids bring, making connections with them, and being a part of their lives throughout the day. I approach every day from a mom and cop mindset – I treat them the way I want my kids to be treated. A positive impact is what I’m all about.”
Officer James Russell
Campus: Boerne Middle School South
Experience: Third year as SRO
“I’m really looking forward to engaging with the students and building relationships. It’s really important to me that the students are safe and have a safe learning environment. We want the kids to do well in school and be successful outside of school in their home lives and in the future.”
Officer Stephen Moring
Campus: Champion High School
Experience: Third year as SRO
“Being an SRO is a different type of law enforcement; you get to see tangible results with the kids you’re mentoring. I’ve worked with several students who have learned to confront problems head on rather than run from them.”
Officer Cody Shelton
Campus: Fabra Elementary
Experience: Second year as SRO
“It’s awesome to bring joy to the kids. I don’t have kids of my own, so when I became an SRO it felt great when I was able to make one of them smile.”
Officer Eric De La Rosa
Campus: Boerne Middle School North
Experience: First year as SRO
“The opportunity came up last year to cover for some officers who were on leave, and I ended up loving it. I enjoy working with the kids to bridge the gap between law enforcement and youth. I’m most looking forward to building leadership, mentoring the kids, and helping them stay on the right path.”
