Gloucester Township Police Highlight School Resource Officer

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — In the aftermath of a shooting that killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, there has been a lot of discussion about armed police officers in schools, and even arming teachers, in schools.

On Friday, the Gloucester Township Police Department took the time to introduce their School Resource Officer (SRO), John McHugh, to the public.

“Ptl. McHugh started his law enforcement career in 2002 as a Corrections Officer in the County of Camden,” the police department said in an online message Friday morning. “He then joined the Gloucester Township Police Department in 2004. He began on the Patrol Bureau and in 2013 became a School Resource Officer. He began at Highland High School and is currently at Timber Creek High School. Ptl. McHugh is a Physical Training Instructor and is one of the lead instructors for the Gloucester Township Police Junior Police Academy. During the summer months he also does community outreach with the Gloucester Township game truck. His hobbies include playing football, basketball and keeping up with his physical fitness. He is also active in coaching his children on their sports teams. He has excelled as a School Resource Officer due to his friendly demeanor and ability to form positive relationships with the students he works with.”

Timber Creek and Highland, along with Triton, are all part of the Black Horse Pike Regional School District. After the shooting, and amid student protests throughout the country — including New Jersey — Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian Repici said the district stands with students who decide to protest.

“In a democratic society, educators should empower, then support students' rights to peacefully assemble and vent grievances,” Repici said in a message on the district website. “As always, it is our job to educate, facilitate understanding, and inspire. I will discuss this with each Principal so that we can unite with students as part of any protest, rather than being apart from them.”

He also said the district is increasing its safety measures.

“The first line of defense is reporting, so all staff will emphasize this with students in the coming days,” Repici said. “I ask you to emphasize this at home to make sure that students understand the importance of having them report suspicious behavior as well.

“Thirdly, we are researching and will be enhancing security measures at each school in an effort to make our schools more safe. We are coordinating that research with the police and with our Board of Education. We are also reminding students and staff that a locked door is a good defense so make sure that students understand that they are not to let anyone in any door.

“Lastly, please do not hesitate to comment or give suggestions on how we can better secure our schools or serve our communities. As a parent of a school aged child, I completely understand and share your concerns about the safety and well-being of your child(ren).”

Attached images of Ptl. John McHugh were provided by the Gloucester Township Police Department