VB resource officer receives master lapel pin

VAN BUREN — Van Buren Local Schools District Resource Officer Matt Crouch received his Master School Resource Officer lapel pin and certificate during the 2025 Ohio School Resource Officers Association Conference from July 7-9 at the Kalahari Resort and Conference Center in Sandusky. The recognition represents Crouch's years of service, advanced training and commitment to maintaining a safe school environment. Crouch has served as an SRO for seven years and as a member of the OSROA for 14 years. To achieve Master SRO status, Crouch had to meet all the necessary requirements and complete advanced school-based law enforcement training through OSROA. On Feb. 14, Van Buren Schools congratulated Crouch on the recognition. "Congratulations to Van Buren Local School District Resource Officer Deputy Matt Crouch for being approved as a Master School Resource Officer (SRO) through the Ohio School Resource Officers Association (OSROA)," the February release reads. "Please join us in showing our appreciation for all Deputy Crouch does to keep our district secure and our students and staff safe!" While student resource officers serve primarily as law enforcement officers, they also act as mentors and educators to students, parents and school administrators. SROs play a key role in "keeping the peace" and fostering an environment where students can learn. Officers must meet all SRO requirements to achieve Master SRO status, including a minimum of seven years of SRO experience, maintaining an active OSROA membership for at least four years, attending four out of seven OSROA annual conferences and receiving verification of their service from law enforcement leadership and school administration.