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Jeff Sgro retires after 25 years with South Fayette police
Jeff Sgro retires after 25 years with police department
Township resident served 10 years as South Fayette's first school resource officer
By Andrea Iglar
During his decade as school resource officer in South Fayette, Jeff Sgro built rapport with thousands of students—his own sons included.
When the police officer assumed the role in 2014, his children Matthew and Nathan were in fourth and third grade, respectively.
“I felt bad for them because they weren’t going to get away with anything, and they knew it,” Sgro recalled with a laugh.
“But I enjoyed being around my kids. I could watch them go through school. And I found out later that my kids enjoyed having me there.”
Sgro, 55, retired in May from his position as a sergeant with the South Fayette Township Police Department, where he spent 25 years. For the last decade, he had dedicated himself to the South Fayette School District for nine months of each year as school resource officer, or SRO.
“The police department has given me plenty of opportunities, and I’m glad that when it came down to it I had the privilege of being our first SRO at the school district,” Sgro said. “It think that is the highlight of my career.”
Officer Sawyer Hernandez took over the assignment in March.
Police Chief John Phoennik said Hernandez will build upon the program while putting her own stamp on the role.
“She is going to give it a different dynamic,” he said.
On campus, Sgro—himself a graduate of South Fayette High School—made rounds to the four school buildings, participated in clubs and projects, attended events, and personally got to know students, from kindergartners to seniors. His activities developed trust and, as a result, enhanced safety.
“Relationship building is key to being a successful SRO,” he said.
Other tasks included advising school administrators on safety issues, planning for emergencies, responding to incidents, conducting searches, holding educational programs and collaborating with township officials, school staff, parents and community members.
"I had the privilege of being our first SRO at the school district. It think that is the highlight of my career.”
He developed and launched Project Pride to teach fifth graders about positive, responsible and intelligent decision-making.
“Jeff was knowledgeable and engaged in the program,” Phoennik said. “He helped numerous kids.”
Sgro was president of the Pennsylvania Association of School Resource Officers from 2015 to 2020. He was a member of the National Association of School Resource Officers, which in 2016 recognized South Fayette with the Model SRO Agency Award.
Sgro earned a Friends of Education Award from the Pennsylvania State Education Association in 2018. Pennsylvania Students Against Destructive Decisions named him School Resource Officer of the Year in 2017.
In 2014, the township and school district teamed up to start the SRO program, initially funded in part by a state grant. Each year, the school contributes 70% toward the salary.
In his retirement, Sgro plans to spend more time with his wife, Kristi, and their family. He also plans to find a job outside of law enforcement to experience something new.
"I truly feel in my heart that it was time for me to go and give somebody else the opportunity to start their career here,” Sgro said. “This place has really provided for me and my family, and I’m appreciative of it.”
