ABOVE BEYOND &

Police officers, even in small towns like Chino Valley, face a wide variety of issues and assignments. From the gang task force, narcotics, and undercover work, to violent crimes, Officer Jeff Pizzi of the Chino Valley Police Department has seen them all.

What is his favorite assignment?

“Being assigned to the school district as the School Resource Officer (SRO) is probably the most rewarding role I’ve had,” said Pizzi. “Here, I’m more than just a badge. I try and be a mentor to the kids, show them that I’m a person who has had some struggles, made some mistakes and now I am here to not only protect them while on campus but help them know that police officers are more than just enforcement, we’re here to provide safety and some consistency to their school days.”

Pizzi does just that, going above and beyond to allow students to see his personality and be a friendly face they can trust.

During special events throughout the year, from holiday season to Read-Across-America Events to the Annual Heritage Middle School 8th Grade vs. CVPD Dodge Ball Game, Pizzi can be seen in a wide variety of costumes, from Santa Claus to Buddy the Elf, the Easter Bunny, and Dr. Seuss’s Cat In The Hat.

“This gives me the opportunity to bridge the gap, let the students see me in a different, more approachable light,” says Pizzi.

The start of the annual HMS 8th grade vs CVPD dodge ball game, which will enter its third year this spring, was started as Pizzi observed the changes in attitude and emotion with students during and following the COVID-19 lockdown.

“I saw a lot of anxiety with kids when they started coming back, changes in how they interacted with each other and their teachers,” said Pizzi. “I started hanging out with some of the students during P.E. and dodge ball was one of the more popular activities they played. It sort of morphed into a competition between me and the students then we decided to make it into a full blown competition, the 8th grade vs. the PD. It’s turned into one of the highlights of the year for all of us.”

Pizzi, the CVPD, and the Chino Valley Police Foundation have partnered with Hurts Donuts of Tempe, AZ for the dodge ball game. Hurts provides free donuts for the event and the CVPD and CVPF sell donuts provided by Hurts to raise funds for many projects throughout the year.

More information on all CVUSD activities and programs is available at www.ChinoValleySchools.com.

Information on the Chino Valley Police Dept. is available at www.ChinoAZ.net.