As Middleton High School (MHS)’s first semester draws to an end, students are in the full swing of the new school year. Same hallways, same schedule, but slightly different-looking School Resource Officers (SRO.) Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, students may notice that SROs are now in full uniform. This change was implemented to continue ensuring students’ security throughout the semesters by increasing officer visibility and their access to equipment.
In July, the school district appointed two new SROs as part of their expansion of security services at both the elementary and middle schools and MHS, in collaboration with the Middleton Police Department. Officer Cassidy Ruchti was newly appointed to serve as SRO for Kromrey Middle School and district elementary schools, while Officer Jake Ungerer joined Officer Kevin Thompson at MHS. The district highlighted the role of SROs as an additional security measure for students, responding to incidents while building trust within the school community.
The beginning of this semester marked the SRO transition to full uniform, which includes distinctive police badges and gear along with tactical equipment. According to SRO Kevin Thompson, the benefit of wearing uniforms includes having access to necessary tools if incidents were to occur. Moreover, it allows SROs to wear vests for their safety in the prospect of any physical danger while also allowing students to identify them easily. On the other hand, wearing a uniform sacrifices some level of comfort for SROs. “I did enjoy being in plain clothes as well. It’s a lot more comfortable than wearing a vest and all my gear,” Thompson said…