Community Schools of Frankfort School Resource Officer Rob Hession has been named the Indiana School Resource Officers Association’s School Resource Officer of the Year for Region 4.
Hession, a member of the Frankfort Police Department for almost three decades, has served as the School Resource Officer at Blue Ridge Primary and Green Meadows Intermediate since 2018. He will be formally recognized during the Indiana School Resource Officers Association annual conference this June in Michigan City.
While school safety remains a central part of his role, school staff say Hession’s impact reaches far beyond security procedures and emergency planning. Known to students as “Officer Rob,” he has become a familiar and trusted presence throughout both schools. Students regularly see him reading in classrooms, greeting them in the hallways, helping with school events, and finding creative ways to connect with them throughout the year.
“Officer Hession has built relationships with students that go far beyond what most people picture when they think of a school resource officer,” Superintendent Dr. Matt Rhoda said. “He helps students feel safe, welcomed, and cared for every day, and that kind of impact stays with kids long after they leave our schools.”
Hession is known for consistently going the extra mile in everything he does. From dressing up as a turkey at Thanksgiving to decorating his workspace during the holidays, he brings energy and humor into the everyday school environment. Staff members also highlighted the way he mentors students, supports special education classrooms during difficult moments, directs traffic before and after school, and creates engaging videos as his alter ego, “Coach Art”, to teach students and staff important lessons about school safety.
“He’s not doing these things because they’re written in a job description. He does them because that’s who he is,” said Green Meadows Principal Brandon Doub. “Rob genuinely cares about our kids, our staff, and our community, and that authenticity shines through in everything he does.”
Blue Ridge Principal Maggie McKinney said Hession’s positive presence has become an important part of day-to-day life in the building.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Officer Hession for seven years now,” McKinney said. “Throughout that time, I have watched him integrate himself as a pillar of our school community. He works hard to foster impactful relationships with each and every student and staff member on campus.”
Hession said the recognition has been especially meaningful because it came from the people he works alongside each day.
“It is an honor to be selected and recognized in this manner,” Hession shared. “I have the best job on the police department. Every day I have the opportunity to make a difference in a student’s life and provide them with a safe school environment. Most importantly, I can tell the parents of my students that I will do all that I can to keep their children safe.”
The Community Schools of Frankfort congratulates Officer Hession on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his continued dedication and service to Frankfort students, families, staff, and the greater community.