New Bedford School Resource Officer Wins Regional Honor

NEW BEDFORD — One New Bedford School Resource Officer has been recognized regionally for exceptional service after working for over a decade at a local public school.

Officer Shane Harris has won the Regional Exceptional Service Award for New England after serving as the School Resource Officer for the Whaling City Junior/Senior High School in New Bedford for the past 12 years.

John Tweedie, the school's principal, nominated Harris for the award.

"Officer Harris has demonstrated the unique ability to make deliberate connections with some of our most at-risk students due to his personal experiences,” Tweedie stated.

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"Ofc. Harris consistently volunteers his time after hours to meet with students individually, work with them on their academics, help with specific gang-related issues they are facing, give them rides home, and meet with their parents," noted the principal in his nomination letter, adding that the officer sponsors kids during the holidays and often spends hundreds of dollars to make the celebration special.

The honor is presented to those who perform continuous and sustained service to their school community above and beyond that expected of a School Resource Officer, according to the release.

The National Association of School Resource Officers hands out the awards in a ceremony that will take place in Florida in July.

Newly appointed New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira commended Officer Harris for being an exemplary role model to students and other officers.

"Ofc. Harris is a shining example of all that is right with policing," he stated. "We are incredibly proud of the difference he makes every day and congratulate him for this recognition.”

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