A Valuable Resource

by Jenna Greaves

Oviedo Police Officer Ashley Pierce, with comfort K9 Xander by her side, is on a mission to erase negative stereotypes about law enforcement that kids might have been exposed to.

Officer Pierce is a school resource officer at Lawton Chiles Middle, where she goes above and beyond to connect with students and ensure their safety and security on campus. 

This summer, she was named Florida School Resource Officer of the Year, an honor bestowed by the Florida Association of School Resource Officers (FASRO). Each year, the Florida Attorney General and FASRO partner to recognize an SRO who has made a significant contribution to their school and community.

“It’s so important to have positive interactions with our youth, because they are our future,” says Officer Pierce. “I can help build that positive relationship between law enforcement and               our community.”

This is not the first time she has been honored by FASRO, the largest state school policing organization in the country. Last year, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the organization. Officer Pierce stands out for her work ethic and unwavering dedication to creating a positive, safe, and supportive learning environment for students.

“I don’t do this for any sort of recognition,” she says. “I do it for the love of helping families and helping others, because I think it’s so important to help one another and to give back. If I can change one person’s life, I’ve made a difference.”

Oviedo Police Chief Dale Coleman has high praise for Officer Pierce, an 18-year veteran of the department.

“Officer Pierce is so passionate about her community and helping kids who need it the most,” says Chief Coleman. “She is a rock for the kids at the school and exemplifies everything a police officer should be in Oviedo.”

A Dynamic Duo

Officer Pierce says her job at Lawton Chiles Middle School is made easier by Xander. The black Labrador retriever provides emotional support for students and helps them combat stress and anxiety while navigating their school day. 

“It really has helped having a dog, because it gives kids a common ground and common interest,” she says. “They’ll start talking about their dogs, and then they want to show me pictures of their dogs and tell me all about their pets.”

Students love Xander so much that many bring treats to reward him for his work as a comfort K9.

“I’m a little bit invisible. I say, ‘It’s all about Xander,’” says Officer Pierce with a laugh. “A lot of the staff and kids will usually greet Xander first, and then they’ll say hi to me.”

In addition to her work with Xander, Officer Pierce oversees the school’s food pantry to help families in need, a clothing donation closet for students, and a school supply drive at the beginning of each academic year. During the holidays, she also organizes the school’s Angel Tree Program, a toy drive, and an annual Thanksgiving basket drive.

“I enjoy helping people and families, and doing this has been so fulfilling,” she says of being a school resource officer. “The families that I help, they’re so deserving.”