Seneca Valley security officer commended
JACKSON TWP — Karen Christy, a security officer in the Seneca Valley School District, was commended by the school board at a meeting Monday, Sep. 16, and recognized as an “all-star winner” for her work.
Christy started as a security officer working the midnight shift this year, Seneca Valley safety and security director Jason Young said.
“I think this might be a new record for the number of days on the job to earn a spot for the all-star winners,” Young said, commending Christy’s help with an incident that took place less than a week after she was hired.
Two days into starting the job, Young said Christy discovered several students committing “criminal mischief.” Young would not elaborate on the incident, noting that the case was active and involved minors, but he said the students were charged with trespassing, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.
“Karen was returning from her nightly rounds at the elementary buildings and quickly noticed on surveillance media that something appeared suspicious,” Young said. “She responded to the area and was able to provide me a detailed information on the vehicle traveling the opposite direction ... and give me the information that I needed, as well as a license plate.”
Recently, the school district and others were the targets of social media threats that law enforcement deemed to be non-credible. As Young introduced Christy, he briefly reflected on security in the district.
“As you all know, unfortunately, the past few weeks have shown the importance of security, as well as the layers of security for our safety,” he said.
“We want kids to see us and to know that we're visible, and that is a good thing beyond (security) cameras,” said superintendent Tracy Vitale.
