Congratulations to Penn Manor SRO Jason Hottenstein, who was recently named the 2022 Ambassador of School Safety by the Pennsylvania Association of School Resource Officers (PASRO).
Officer Hottenstein was chosen for the award “for exemplifying the highest standards of school-based law enforcement” and for his service to Penn Manor students and the school community, according to PASRO.
He received the award during the PASRO banquet on July 19.
A member of the Millersville Borough Police Department, Officer Hottenstein was appointed in 2000 as the first school resource officer in Lancaster County and has served longer than any other SRO in the county.
“I feel very honored to receive this award, but I didn’t achieve it by myself,” he said. “I was fortunate to be the SRO for 22 years in the Penn Manor community, which will forever have a special place in my heart.”
Officer Hottenstein was not just a daily presence in the halls of Penn Manor High School. He also took an active role outside of the school day, serving as a coach for the girls’ soccer team, attending many after-school events and volunteering with the Camp Cadet program.
“Through his coaching, counseling and mentoring, he was a natural at developing the SRO position over the years and now does the same with the children of some of the first students he got to know,” said Lt. Jeff Margevich of the Millersville Borough Police Department, who nominated Hottenstein for the award.
“During his 22 years of service to Penn Manor, he developed the SRO position from that of a very new concept to an amazing partnership between our police department and the school district.”
Penn Manor superintendent Dr. Phil Gale echoed those sentiments.
“Whether it is talking with students in the cafeteria, attending an after-school event, or coaching students, Officer Hottenstein’s focus is always on instilling confidence and pride in students so they become the school’s best defense in creating a safe environment for all,” Dr. Gale said.
“He often is consulted by other SROs in the county for his expertise and called upon when other schools are considering the development of their own SRO programs.”
Dr. Gale said the award is a fitting final tribute to Officer Hottenstein, who will be retiring from his position this summer.
Congratulations, Jason, and best wishes on your future endeavors!
Officer Hottenstein with kindergarten students
