Officer Joe Knapp to begin serving the district on December 1

For the first time, Hamilton Community Schools will have a school resource officer serving throughout the district’s buildings.

On November 7, Superintendent Dr. Bradford Lusk announced the hiring of Allegan County Sheriff’s Deputy Joe Knapp as the district’s first school resource officer.

Knapp is a 23-year law enforcement veteran. Before beginning his law enforcement career, he served in the United States Air Force from 1989–1994 and left the service with the rank of sergeant. As a parent of five Hamilton graduates and an assistant high school football coach for six years, Knapp knows the community and district well.

“We are very fortunate to employ not only a decorated officer, but one who is a resident, parent and coach in our district,” Dr. Lusk said. “Having someone who understands Hamilton will only better serve our students, staff and stakeholders. The training, relationship-building and community outreach opportunities that Officer Knapp brings to the position are impressive and make him the best person for the position.”

The addition further exemplifies Dr. Lusk’s commitment to school safety after taking over as superintendent in July 2022.

“Having an official school resource officer in our district provides many benefits not only to our buildings, but also to our community,” Dr. Lusk said. “Bridging the gap between the community, school district and law enforcement is important to ensuring a seamless chain of events can occur in the case of an emergency.”

Funding for the position was made available through safety grants from the State of Michigan. Knapp will begin his new role on December 1, providing support across the district’s six buildings and at various school events.

Officer Knapp will also be involved in training staff and students for emergency situations, as well as reviewing district safety layouts and assisting with planning.

“After meeting with community members during my first months on the job, adding additional measures of safety and security to our district has been a top priority,” Dr. Lusk said. “Planning has been underway for months regarding the safety grants and how to best utilize those funds. Budgeting has already been underway to ensure the long-term sustainability of such an important position.”

The hiring of Deputy Knapp was also featured by West Michigan media outlets:

WZZM 13:

https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/education/hamilton-community-schools-first-school-resource-officer/69-1bfdfc0b-fed8-4cc3-8683-3f7d7283408e

WWMT News Channel 3:

https://wwmt.com/news/local/hamilton-community-schools-resource-officer-deputy-joe-knapp-allegan-county-sheriffs-office-west-michigan

The Holland Sentinel:

https://www.hollandsentinel.com/story/news/education/2022/11/08/hamilton-community-schools-hires-first-ever-school-resource-officer/69625454007/

Hamilton Community Schools Hires First-Ever School Resource Officer