The Oviedo Police Department announced this week that its school resource officer has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Association of School Resource Officers.
Earlier this week, Ashley Pierce received the award in recognition of her many years of service as the school resource officer at Lawton Chiles Middle School (1240 Sanctuary Drive in Oviedo).
“Pierce has been a staple at Lawton Chiles Middle School – Seminole County Public Schools for over 14 years,” stated the Oviedo Police Department. “And every year (she) goes above and beyond to help not just the students, but their families.”
According to OPD, Pierce sets up an annual school supply drive before the start of the school year to collect donated supplies for students who need pencils, paper, backpacks, and other school-related items.
During the supply drive, Pierce sets up a donation area outside a local Walmart and spends several hours collecting the supplies.
Before Thanksgiving, Pierce organizes a Thanksgiving Dinner food drive for students and their families. In addition to designing the program, Pierce also helps facilitate the distribution of meals.
In addition, Pierce’s “Angel Tree” program at the school involves collecting toys and clothing for kids. She is also involved in a “Teen Toy” drive held outside a local Walmart to collect gifts for older kids in need.
Oviedo Police Chief Dale Coleman stated that the Lifetime Achievement Award for Officer Pierce is well-deserved.
“(Pierce) exemplifies what a School Resource Officer should be and is an incredible representative of the Oviedo Police Department,” added the police chief.
While at Lawton Chiles Middle School, Pierce is regularly joined by an OPD comfort K-9 named Xander. Students can pet and hug Xander to help bring them joy while relieving stress.
“The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to those individuals who demonstrate extraordinary accomplishments while serving their schools/communities,” stated Florida Association of School Resource Officers Chairperson Rebekah Morris. “On behalf of the FASRO Board of Directors, we thank you for the hard work you do every day protecting our most precious resource, our children.”
The Florida Association of School Resource Officers is a state agency, and it is the largest state school policing organization in the country that provides training and networking opportunities.
Pierce will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at FASRO’s annual 2024 conference, which will be held in July.