Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

Andrew Campbell

Class of 2024

Officer Sanders Officer Chenche

For Law Enforcement Day this year (January 19th, 2023), The Quill decided to interview the School Resource Officers here in Greenport School. Writer Andrew Campbell sat down with both Officer Sanders and Officer Chenche to discuss with them what their job is about and the roots they have with the job. 

1. How long have you worked as a police officer?

Sanders: I have been a police officer for the last 6 years.

Chenche: I have been a police officer for 9 years. Originally I started in the NYPD and then moved to Southold.

2. What made you want to become a police officer?

Sanders: Originally, my career was as a teacher. I taught students from K-12 health and physical education. I became a police officer to further help my community in a different aspect. I always wanted to help my local community and I felt that becoming a police officer would be a great way to do so. 

Chenche: When I decided to become a police officer, it was because I have always wanted to help people. My goal with my life was to be a role model and an inspiration to the youth of society.

3. What is your fondest memory on the job?

Sanders: Some of my favorite memories that I have had on the job are helping with fundraisers for people in need. For example, every year we do our annual turkey drive and our annual toy drive for those who are in need and it brings me lots of joy to help those people who need it the most. I feel like it helps to connect the community better together.

Chenche: Now that I am a school resource officer, coming to the schools is a lot of fun. I get to help establish the image of police officers with the youth. I also get to teach the dare program to the students in 6th grade as well.

4. Where did you go to high school?

Sanders: I graduated from Riverhead high school.

Chenche: I came to this country from Ecuador when I was 17 so I attended school there.

5. When did you become a School Resource Officer?

Sanders: I only just became a School Resource Officer last december. 

Chenche: I became a School Resource Officer last year, after 8 years of patrol

6. What steps do you have to take in order to become a resource officer?

Sanders: In order to become a School Resource Officer, you need to apply once you are in the department. It is something that only is available once in a while so it can be a bit difficult to become one.

7. What does your job here at Greenport entail?

Sanders: When I am in the school, my job is to be a liaison between the school and the police department. My job is to help provide a connection for the school faculty to help connect them with the department. 

8. What has been your most rewarding experience as an SRO?

Chenche: Being able to be a role model for young students is the most rewarding part of the job. I get to hopefully inspire them to be good with their lives. 

9. Did you always have an interest in working near or around children?

Sanders: When I was younger, I used to coach different sports camps for children on the North Fork. As I became older, I became a teacher which helped me work with kids even more. This is where my love for working with kids began.

Chenche: I always wanted to work with children so that I could interact with them. I always wanted to have that impact on children by inspiring them and empowering them.

10. How have you worked to have a positive connection with the students at Greenport?

Sanders: While in school, I want to make sure that all the students know that I am here for them. I know that sometimes it can be scary for students to talk to a police officer, but I try to establish a good connection with all of them. 

Chenche: We use the dare program and other activities to connect the police department to the school. I use it to create new bonds and connections with the students.

11. Do you plan to work here at Greenport for a long period of time?

Sanders: Yes, I plan to do this as a career. I want to make an impact on the students and be in the position to help them for a long period of time.

Chenche: Yes, I want to do this job for a full career. 

12. What is one piece of advice you would like to give all students?

Sanders: Take some time and slow down. Mistakes happen and that's ok.

Chenche: Coming to a new country and not speaking the language is very challenging. If you stay true to what you want you can succeed at your dreams.