Kenmore Police Officer Mark Childers named Washington School Resource Officer of the Year

Kenmore Mayor David Baker presents award to SRO Mark Childers

Kenmore Police Officer Mark Childers has been named School Resource Officer of the Year by the Washington School Safety Organization. Officer Childers was presented with the award at the organization’s annual conference in August. The Kenmore City Council recognized Officer Childers for this honor at its Officer Mark Childers September 24 Council meeting.

“Officer Childers is very deserving of this award. He is well respected in the community, dedicated to the well-being of the children, and is an asset to the citizens of Kenmore,” said Mayor David Baker.

Officer Childers has been serving the Kenmore community as a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Kenmore Junior High and Inglemoor High School in the Northshore School District for the past 17 years. Additionally, Officer Childers plans, implements and teaches the Junior Police Academy at Kenmore Junior High, and plans and teaches classes to 6th graders at Kenmore’s elementary schools. Prior to being a SRO, Officer Childers was a DARE officer in the Northshore School District for more than five years.

Officer Childers was nominated for the award by the administrators of Inglemoor High School and Kenmore Junior High School. “Deputy Childers is a remarkable role model who demonstrates respect, integrity, courtesy, and accountability. The professionalism and commitment in which he performs his job and his willingness to go ‘beyond the call of duty’ is remarkable,” said Nancy Smith-Vela, Assistant Principal of Kenmore Junior High School.

“Officer Childers has natural gift when it comes to working with young people. Students respect and respond appropriately to his suggestions and recommendations. His consistent, yet caring, manner is effective when working with students. He has developed constructive and supportive relationships with KJH and IHS staff members, parents, and citizens from the Kenmore community,” said Samuel Jackson Jr., Assistant Principal of Inglemoor High School.

This award is a reflection of the dedication and commitment of excellence and service that Officer Childers has given to the children of the Kenmore community for the past 23 years.