NEWS RELEASE from Cairo-Durham Central School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cairo-Durham School Resource Officers Presented with the Sheriff Spike SRO Award
January 30, 2025
CAIRO, NY – You don’t need to watch the new Superman movie to see superheroes in action; two heroes are always being spotted in our schools.
The District is thrilled to announce that both of our school resource officers were presented with the Sheriff Spike School Officer Award of the Year from the New York State Sheriffs Institute. On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the District’s school resource officers attended the Heroes’ Luncheon during the Sheriff Institute’s Annual Winter Training Conference in Albany, NY. During this time, law enforcement officers earned recognition for their service to their communities.
Congratulations to our dedicated Greene County officers JoAnne Rivera and Steven Espel, Jr!
Our School Resource Officers are a pillar of the school community. On a daily basis, they are protecting our students and staff, providing guidance and support, fostering strong relationships, and creating a warm, secure, and safety-informed environment. Many school districts our size only have one SRO, so Cairo-Durham greatly benefits from having one in each building.
“The fact that Deputy Rivera and Espel have been selected by the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute for their outstanding work is a testament to their dedication to the students, the school and our community,” said Greene County Sheriff Peter J. Kusminsky. “It takes a special police officer to be a good SRO and I am proud to have some of the best on my staff. I have no doubt that their efforts will have a lasting positive impact on all of the students they interact with.”
Deputy Steven Espel, Jr is a vital member of the Cairo-Durham Elementary School. His efforts create a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for students and staff, alike. Every morning and afternoon, Deputy Espel is present during drop-off and dismissal, ensuring a smooth and safe transition for everyone. Rain or shine, he greets students and parents with a warm smile, offering a reassuring presence that embodies his commitment to the school, said elementary principal Christopher Stein.
Furthermore, Deputy Espel provides support and advice while being a positive mentor for students in need. He is always building strong relationships with the students, whether he’s playing basketball or calming a student outside the classroom. Deputy Espel further improved this supportive environment by taking rigorous training to bring a therapy dog, Mac, into the school. “Mac’s calming presence has been transformative, helping to de-escalate tense situations and bringing positivity to those who need it most,” said Principal Stein.
“On behalf of everyone at Cairo-Durham Elementary, we are thrilled and immensely proud to celebrate Deputy Espel’s recognition as an outstanding School Resource Officer in New York State,” said elementary principal Christopher Stein. “His tireless efforts, compassion, and dedication to the school community make him truly deserving of this honor.”
At the Cairo-Durham Middle and High Schools, Deputy JoAnne Rivera is a dependable and constant pillar of student support and school safety. Starting her day by greeting students in the morning, Deputy Rivera maintains close connections and ensures a smooth transition. In addition, she is a trusted adult for students to receive advice and mentorship, coordinating with the guidance department to meet their needs. The District’s Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Danielle Czech, also noted how Deputy Rivera is always available, 24/7, to provide assistance and guidance to students and their families.
“Deputy Rivera has built strong, meaningful relationships with both the staff and the students here at CDMS/HS. Her positive, contagious energy undoubtedly makes our building a better place,” said middle and high school principal Catherine Dodig. “We are so fortunate to have an SRO that goes above and beyond when it comes to caring for and supporting our building community.”
Catherine Dodig also expressed, “In my opinion, there is not a more deserving person to be honored with this award. In every facet of her work, Deputy Rivera makes a positive impact. She is so much more than just our SRO; because of the work that she does, she’s one of the most beloved people here at CDMS/HS.”
The District is immensely proud of Deputies JoAnne Rivera and Steven Espel, Jr. “The two of them are always there to support or assist in any way, shape, or form needed. True super heroes,” said Danielle Czech, Director of Pupil Personnel Services.
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For further information, please contact:
Avi Ream
Communications Specialist
Email: communications@cairodurham.org