For those who do not already know, Lansingburgh Central School District was recently assigned a new School Resource Officer: Troy Police Department Officer Edwin Gerena! We are happy to have Officer Gerena on-site in Lansingburgh's schools and we checked in with him so you could learn a bit more about him and what he does for the district. 

Tell us a little about your background.

I'm a Class of 2014 graduate of Lansingburgh High School. After graduating, I attended Hudson Valley Community College where I majored in Criminal Justice.

I started my law enforcement career in Rochester, NY where I worked for two years. I joined the Troy Police Department five years ago and have been with them since. 

For those who may not know, what is a school resource officer (SRO) and what makes it a unique role for a police officer? 

The primary function of an SRO is working with their assigned school district on a variety of things to provide a safe environment for all of the students and school employees.

It's a unique position because it gives you the ability to connect with and build positive relationships with students daily in a school environment. Those connections and relationships can then translate out into the wider community outside of school.

You've been working in the district for a few weeks, how's it been getting to know the schools and everyone in them? 

Everyone I've met so far has been very engaging. I look forward to the fact that I get to meet someone new every day by having easy-going conversations with them, whether that be about hobbies, sports, school or just how things are going. 

What’s something about you and your work style you want school families, students and faculty/staff to know?

Everyone should feel comfortable approaching me in any event because I’m willing to help out the Lansingburgh school community in any way I can. I'm here for any problems and/or questions you may have throughout the school year.

Finally, what's life like outside of work for you?

In my free time, I like to be with friends and family and my 3-year-old Dutch Shepard (Cooper) who keeps me on my toes.

I’m a big fan of the New York Mets and New York Giants. I also enjoy working out at Metabolic Fitness and I’m the Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach here at Lansingburgh High School.