MONROEVILLE, Pa. — The Gateway School District is about to start its first school year with more than a dozen armed guards.
Former Pennsylvania State Police Sgt. Bryan Key and former Monroeville Police Officer Jonathan Pawlowski are more than retired members of law enforcement. They're fathers and members of the Monroeville community, and they're back on the job, protecting members of the Gateway School District.
"We're young and retired, and we want to be here," Key said. "With our background, we have other choices, but we also care about our kids and the kids in the district."
In June, the school board voted 7-2 to employ only former police officers. In years past, only two school security resource officers and four unarmed guards patrolled the district. None were stationed at the elementary school.
Key and Pawlowski said the district's move to hire only former officers with at least 20 years of experience sends a message.
"We're here because we want to be. I guess there's no other reason," Key said.
Pawlowski stressed that the people in the community want them there, too.
"They're very happy we are there. They feel secure because they have a knowledge of us, so they know our capacity and capabilities," said Pawlowski. "We have 20 to 25 years of experience. We're prepared for it. We've always been prepared for it. It's our second nature."
Pawlowski also had a message for people who say having more guns in schools in not the answer.
"I want to quote a very wise man. He said, ‘It's better to have a good guy with a gun than a bad guy with a gun,’” Pawlowski said.
A judge is expected to sign off soon on the new policy to allow former officers to patrol the schools.
As of Thursday, district officials said they have hired 11 officers, but they hope to have 18 by the end of the year.
Anyone who would like to learn more about the requirements for applying for one of the positions can
.
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