Across Champaign County, School Resource Officers (SROs) play a critical role in shaping schools into safe, welcoming environments for students and staff alike. More than just a security presence, these officers are mentors, listeners, and leaders who help bridge the gap between law enforcement and youth. Three of Champaign County’s dedicated SROs—Brad Jarzab, Niven Jester, and Bryan Dixon—share their unique experiences, motivations, and the memories that continue to inspire them each day.
Brad Jarzab has been an SRO since September 2017 and is now entering his ninth year in the role. He began his career with the Sheriff’s Office about eight months before transitioning into school safety. Brad currently serves the West Liberty-Salem Schools, where he is also the head football coach, and has become a familiar and trusted face.
No two days are quite the same for Brad, but visibility and connection are always top priorities. His daily routine often includes walking hallways, joining students at lunch, checking entrances and exits, and monitoring security cameras. Being a constant, positive presence in the building allows him to form strong bonds with both students and staff.
Jarzab’s motivation has remained consistent over the years: he wants to be part of a student’s journey to success. He finds deep reward in watching students grow through the normal challenges of adolescence and celebrating their achievements, whether those victories are in the classroom, on the field, or in their personal development.
“I’ve told many students that what makes this job so rewarding is the chance to watch them grow and succeed. I get to see them work through the normal challenges of middle and high school, then celebrate their achievements—whether in sports, academics, or personal growth. That’s something you don’t always experience in other divisions of the Sheriff’s Office.
– Brad Jarzab
One of his greatest joys comes from seeing students graduate—especially those who’ve overcome significant obstacles along the way. Jarzab believes his role is about more than enforcement; it’s about showing students that the badge doesn’t create distance—it creates an opportunity for support. His goal is always to be someone they feel safe approaching.
Jarzab provides a more in-depth discussion of what he perceives in his line of work.
Niven Jester brings 28 years of law enforcement experience to his position as an SRO and has spent the past four years serving Graham Local Schools. His coverage includes the district’s elementary, middle, and high school buildings, where his impact is felt at every level.
Jester’s day begins with student arrival and building security checks. Throughout the school day, he meets with staff, speaks with the Board of Education, supervises lunch periods, handles incidents or concerns that arise, and engages with students through daily conversations and activities. He also makes time for patrols and helps organize or participate in school events.
What drives Jester is the opportunity to be a positive role model for students while maintaining a safe school environment. For him, the most meaningful part of the job is helping disadvantaged students find success. His focus is on showing up every day for kids who may need a little extra encouragement or guidance.
“I want to be a positive roll model for the students and insure the safety of staff and kids.”
– Niven Jester
One memory that sticks with Jester is being thanked by students for simply being there to protect them. That kind of recognition, especially from young people, reinforces the importance of his presence and the trust he works hard to build each day.
Bryan Dixon began his service with the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office in 2011 and is now in his 14th year. He has spent the past seven years as an SRO—two at Graham Local Schools and five at Triad Local Schools, where he currently serves. At Triad, Dixon is responsible for the entire campus, including the high school, middle school, elementary, and all the spaces in between.
His typical day involves checking that doors are secure, patrolling the buildings, teaching when needed, and building positive relationships with students and staff. Like his fellow SROs, Dixon’s focus goes beyond physical safety—he strives to be someone students can rely on emotionally and socially.
Dixon’s “why” is rooted in wanting to connect with the next generation. He knows that some students come to school without much support at home, and he wants to be a steady, encouraging presence in their lives. He wants every student to know they matter, that they’re capable of great things, and that they can always come to him for help.
“So many times kids come to school with little to no parental support and I want to make sure they all know they are valued, can come to me anytime, and that they have all the potential to be great.”
– Bryan Dixon
The most rewarding part of Dixon’s job is knowing he’s protecting the children of his community. He takes pride in being the person who’s there if something goes wrong—and who’s also there when students simply need someone to talk to.
A favorite recurring moment of Dixon’s happens outside of school: when young students see him out of uniform in public and are surprised that he’s not “just a cop.” These encounters help humanize him in their eyes and serve as a reminder that SROs are everyday people who care deeply about their community.
Together, Jarzab, Jester, and Dixon embody the spirit of community-centered policing. Their dedication, compassion, and consistent presence have made a lasting impact on the schools they serve—and on the lives of the students who walk their halls each day.
