This is my fourth year serving as the School Resource Officer (SRO) for North Branch Area Public Schools As an SRO, I hope to serve as a positive role model to instill in students good moral standards, good judgment and discretion, respect for other students, and a sincere concern for the school community. 

I have always had a passion for working with students of all ages. During my five years in law enforcement I’ve had the opportunity to spend time coaching youth football and engaging and interacting with children in my every-day patrol duties. The enjoyment I get from helping kids made becoming an SRO a natural step for me.

The role of a law enforcement officer is more than just enforcing the law; it also means forging good relationships with people and showing students that the people who wear a law enforcement badge are trustworthy and dependable. It serves students and the public to be a positive adult role model, especially for those students that lack positive interactions with adults in their everyday life. 

Working in collaboration with NBAPS is a thrill for me because of my roots inside the building - first as a student and now as a staff member. In fact, my main goal when I became a police officer was to eventually become an SRO. Having the privilege to do it in my hometown school district is an honor! 

Together we can continue to make NBAPS a safe and inviting place for students, staff, and community members. If you have any questions or concerns, please be encouraged to contact me at mikenelson@isd138.org, or 651-674-1513.

I hope you will consider joining the North Branch Police Department and County Market for our Trunk or Treat Stuff the Squad event on Saturday, Oct. 29, 11 a.m to 5 p.m. at County Market. Costumes are welcome, there will be trick or treating, and we will be collecting donations for the local food shelf. Costumes are encouraged. Stop on by and say hello!