Kenmore Police Officer Mark Childers has been named the Washington School Resource Officer of the Year by the Washington School Safety Organization (WSSO).

Officer Childers was presented with the award at the WSSO’s annual conference in August, and the Kenmore City Council recognized Childers at its Sept. 24 council meeting.

“Officer Childers is very deserving of this award,” said Kenmore Mayor David Baker. “He is well respected in the community, dedicated to the well-being of the children, and is an asset to the citizens of Kenmore.”

Childers has been serving the Kenmore community as a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Kenmore Junior High (KJH) and Inglemoor High School (IHS) for the last 17 years. Additionally, he plans, implements and teaches the Junior Police Academy at KJH, teaches classes to 6th grade students at Kenmore elementary schools and was previously a DARE officer in the Northshore School District.

Childers was nominated for the award by the administrators of Inglemoor High School and Kenmore Junior High School. “Deputy Childers is a remarkable role model who demonstrates respect, integrity, courtesy, and accountability,” said Nancy Smith-Vela, assistant principal of KJH. “The professionalism and commitment in which he performs his job and his willingness to go ‘beyond the call of duty’ is remarkable.”

Added Samuel Jackson, Jr., Inglemoor High’s assistant principal, “Officer Childers has a natural gift when it comes to working with young people. Students respect and respond appropriately to his suggestions and recommendations. His consistent, yet caring, manner is effective when working with students. He has developed constructive and supportive relationships with KJH and IHS staff members, parents, and citizens from the Kenmore community.”