Dear Hamilton Community,
Over the past 25 and a half years, I have had the distinct pleasure of serving the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department. However, my favorite part of those two and a half decades were serving right here inside of Hamilton Community Schools. Since December of 2022, I have witnessed amazing things as your School Resource Officer. This district is special, and that’s why my wife Lisa and I sent our five children here.
With a new school year quickly approaching, I need to inform you all that August 29 will be my last day at Hamilton Community Schools. Retirement is in my near future, and timing is everything. Stepping away from our district at the start of the year allows me to work with our new School Resource Officer and 2018 Hamilton graduate John Dekkinga and pass the torch onto him. I look forward to being a resource for John as he transitions into this role.
While this is bittersweet, I wanted to thank you all for entrusting me with your children’s safety. This is a role I do not take lightly and I truly enjoyed every minute of the job - including the morning smiles and hugs during elementary drop-offs, fun on the playground, but also the serious moments of safety trainings with our staff and keeping our district as safe and secure as it can be.
Yes, I am retiring, but that doesn’t mean I’m going very far - you will still see me coaching Hawkeye Football, and I will still be around this community that I love so much.
Thank you for your support and as always, Go Hawkeyes.
Deputy Joe Knapp
School Resource Officer, Hamilton Community Schools
Dear Hamilton Community Schools Families,
I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the last weeks of summer. I am writing to share some bittersweet news regarding our School Resource Officer position. With retirement coming up in September, Deputy Joe Knapp has announced his last day in our district will be August 29. Deputy Knapp has been serving the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department for over 25 years, and our district in an official capacity since December 2022.
As you all know, Deputy Knapp has been an invaluable member of our community, offering support, guidance, and safety to our students and staff. His commitment to the safety and well-being of our school community has left a lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful for his years of service. His efforts to implement the district’s first fully encompassing Emergency Response Plan, reunification practice, and emergency notification plan for the athletic campus have helped prepare not only Hamilton stakeholders, but any visitor or community member in the event such a situation arises. Deputy Knapp is a true Hawkeye and rest assured, Joe will still be in our community as a coach and community member. This decision did not come lightly, but acting now allows Deputy Knapp to do what he has always wanted to do, ensuring the district is in good hands going forward.
As we bid a well-deserved farewell to Deputy Knapp, we are also excited to introduce our new School Resource Officer, John Dekkinga, who is a proud 2018 graduate of Hamilton High School. John will be working closely with Deputy Knapp over the next few weeks to ensure a smooth transition. We are confident that John will be a tremendous fit to our district to carry on the dedication and care that Deputy Knapp has established in the role.
Please join me in thanking Deputy Knapp for his extraordinary service and welcoming our new School Resource Officer John Dekkinga to the Hamilton Community Schools family.
Enjoy the last few weeks of summer and we look forward to seeing your student(s) back in our classrooms on August 21! As always, Go Hawkeyes.
Dr. Brad Lusk
Proud Superintendent, Hamilton Community Schools
