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Tuesday, June 05, 2012

MPO Lou Munoz Named FCPS 2012 Distinguished School Resource Officer

Master Police Officer Lou Munoz, who works as the school resource officer at Westfield High School, has been named the 2012 Distinguished School Resource Officer (SRO) by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

Munoz, who has worked as the SRO at Westfield for six years, is praised by principal Tim Thomas for his ability to build and nurture relationships with students. “Students do not hesitate to seek his assistance,” states Thomas. “He is visible, approachable, accessible, and personable.” Munoz is a regular attendee at extracurricular events and serves as a mentor and role model to Westfield students, which enhances his ability to connect with students.

Thomas cites efforts by Munoz to help maintain the integrity of the instructional program during the aftermath of the Virginia Tech shootings in 2007 when the school became the focus of local, national, and international media. His efforts to coordinate security with the FCPS Office of Safety and Security and security staff members at Westfield were integral to supporting students, staff members, and the community, says Thomas.  Several months later, Munoz participated in a panel discussion related to the prevention of gun violence which also included members of then-Governor Tim Kaine’s review panel on the Virginia Tech shootings along with parents of some of the victims. “I am very appreciative of Officer Munoz’s willingness to contribute to such a controversial topic,” says Thomas.

Munoz is praised for his work with students in the Fairfax County Police Department’s (FCPD) diversion program, which allows first time offenders to participate in an educational program that reinforces the need for positive decision making. Says Thomas, “Parents always appreciate his efforts and they comment positively on the frank but compassionate manner in which he supports all types of students.” Munoz also participates in a program at the juvenile detention center that focuses on bullying, sexting, cyber bullying, and other negative teen behaviors. And along with the SRO from Stone Middle School, he offers a self-defense seminar for 11^th and 12^th grade female students at Westfield. Prior to prom season, Munoz arranges for an officer from the FCPD crash reconstruction unit to speak to students and provides a distracted driver simulator for students to use, all in an effort to avoid impaired driving.

In addition to his duties as SRO, this year Munoz took over the reigns as the junior varsity basketball coach at Westfield. “I often wonder in amazement how he can juggle so many demands along with those of his own family,” adds Thomas. “But he does so with the highest level of professionalism, integrity, efficacy, and skill.”