Warsaw Community Schools (WCS) is pleased to announce a significant enhancement in its commitment to the safety and well-being of elementary students. As part of an innovative partnership with Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, Joel Popenfoose has taken on the role of School Resource Officer (SRO). At the WCS board work session on October 10, the school board held a special introduction for Joel. Superintendent, Dr. Hoffert shared, “We are very excited to have Joel in our schools. He is a proud WCS alumni, community leader and incredible role model. His experience will be a great asset to our students and school safety.”
Joel Popenfoose is more than just a law enforcement officer; he's a family man with a passion for community service. Joel is the son of Steve and Paula Popenfoose and has been married to his wife, Jessica, for 17 years. Together, they have two sons, Hunter, a 6th grader, and Harrison, a 3rd grader.
Joel Popenfoose's involvement with Warsaw Schools started in his elementary years. He attended Harrison Huskies for elementary school, followed by Lakeview Middle School during his formative years. He graduated from Warsaw High School in the Class of '03. Joel continued his education at Grace College, graduating in the Class of '07 with a dual major in Criminal Justice and Psychology. This diverse educational background has equipped him with a unique perspective and skill set that he brings to his role as a School Resource Officer.
Within the Sheriff's Department, Joel dedicated a decade to night shift patrol, the last three years of which he served as a night shift sergeant. Joel's career path took a significant turn when he felt a calling to work with children, inspired by his late uncle, Joel Popenfoose; Joel was a beloved teacher and coach whose positive impact on students was evident through the outpouring of appreciation at his memorial services. One of his uncles quotes, "Everyday is a good day when you get to work with kids," deeply resonated with Joel and fueled his desire to make a difference in the lives of young people.
WCS has partnered with the Warsaw Police Department for several years to maintain four School Resource Officers (SROs): Roy Navarro, Brandon Zartman, Lewis Fuller and Phil Reed. Having SROs on-site offers proximity during emergencies, and they are crucial safe-zones for students. WCS also partners with the Warsaw Police Department, Winona Lake Police Department and Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department to employ daily times within all WCS school buildings. These highly visible SROs help to deter misconduct within the school buildings and complete a safety audit each year to ensure that WCS buildings, parking lots and grounds are safe and secure at all times.
The current WPD SROs' primary duty is to ensure that WCS is safe and secure, and they supplement their duties by providing roving security detail at the elementary schools. The county schools of Leesburg, Madison and Claypool. The hiring of Joel Popenfoose will allow the current SROs to focus on security detail for the city schools, while he covers the county ones. Joel shared, “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the chances to connect with the students in a “one-on-one” setting. I’ve already had the opportunity to mentor some students and have been able to walk alongside them through some issues.”
Kosciusko Community Schools, the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department and the entire community welcome Deputy Joel Popenfoose to his new role and look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly have on WCS students and their continued safety.
