School Resource Officer Leaves A Local Legacy In Waterford

WATERFORD, CT — Every community has first responders who are leaving a local legacy in the areas they serve.

In light of this, Patch and T-Mobile are spotlighting local EMTs, firefighters and police officers who are making a difference in their communities.

The following interview was conducted over email with Daniel Lane, a patrolman first class with the Waterford Police Department who also serves as a school resource officer for Clark Lane Middle School in town.

Thank you for all you do, Officer Lane!

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How long have you been with the Waterford Police Department?

I have been with the Waterford Police Department for 25 years, starting in March of 2000.

What is your role as a school resource officer? Which schools do you work with in Waterford, and what are some of your responsibilities in this role?

As the school resource officer (SRO), my primary responsibility is ensuring the safety and well-being of all students. This includes not only physical safety, but also the social and emotional aspects of student life. I prioritize building strong, positive relationships with students, staff, and their families to foster a foundation of trust and collaboration.

Being present at Clark Lane Middle School (CLMS) every day allows me to engage consistently with students, staff, and the administrative team. These daily interactions are key to maintaining a safe and supportive school environment.

Each year, I lead educational sessions for students, parents, and teachers on critical topics such as bullying, responsible use of social media, and personal safety. I also serve as a resource for staff and families, offering guidance, addressing concerns, and answering questions. This collaborative approach has proven highly effective in promoting student wellness and strengthening our school community.

Clark Lane Middle School is my primary assignment. Earlier in my role, I also covered the district’s three elementary schools until a dedicated elementary SRO was hired. Waterford High School also has an assigned SRO, ensuring our entire district is supported.

What is the most rewarding part of being a school resource officer in Waterford?

The most rewarding part of being a school resource officer in Waterford is watching students grow, succeed, and mature over time. Having been in this role for the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of seeing many students progress from middle school to high school, and then move on to college, careers, and beyond. It’s incredibly fulfilling to reconnect with them and hear about all the great things they’re achieving. Knowing that I’ve played even a small role in their journey makes this work truly meaningful.

What is one challenging aspect of this role?

One of the most challenging aspects of being a school resource officer is witnessing students struggle, whether it’s with academics, peer relationships, personal issues, or broader life challenges. While I understand that setbacks are a natural and necessary part of growth, it can be difficult to watch young people face these obstacles, especially when you care deeply about their well-being.

My approach is to be a steady presence, allowing students the space to learn and grow through their experiences while always being available to offer support, guidance, or simply a listening ear. Striking the balance between letting them navigate life’s challenges independently and stepping in when they truly need help is one of the most important, and sometimes toughest, parts of the job, but it’s also where some of the most meaningful connections are formed.

Why do you feel the role of a school resource officer is important in a community like Waterford?

The role of a school resource officer is especially important in a close-knit community like Waterford, where relationships and trust play a central role in how we support one another. The police department is deeply integrated into the fabric of the town. As an SRO, I have the unique opportunity to represent that connection within the school setting.

By building meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families, I help create a sense of safety, trust, and accessibility. My daily presence in the school allows me to be more than just a law enforcement figure. I become a familiar and trusted resource, someone students and families feel comfortable turning to when they need support or guidance.

When this role is done effectively, it strengthens the bridge between the police department and the broader school community. It promotes a proactive approach to safety and wellness, supports early intervention, and helps students develop a positive perception of law enforcement. In a community like Waterford, where people genuinely care about one another, that personal connection makes all the difference.

What inspired you to train to become a police officer? Has this always been the career path you've been most interested in?

Becoming a police officer wasn’t always my original career plan. It wasn’t something I set out to do from a young age. However, over time, my perspective changed—largely because of the influence of a few close friends and a mentor who were officers. Seeing their dedication, the impact they had on their communities, and the way they carried themselves in and out of uniform really sparked something in me.

Their passion for service and their ability to connect with people inspired me to take a closer look at the profession. As I learned more, I realized that law enforcement isn’t just about enforcing laws, it’s about helping people, building relationships, and being a positive presence in your community. That’s what truly drew me in.

Once I began my training and started working in the field, I knew I had found a path that aligned with my values and gave me a sense of purpose. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m grateful for the people who helped guide me toward it

Did your time as a student prepare you in any way for your current role serving the Waterford school community as a resource officer?

While my years of experience as a police officer and my previous interactions with families have certainly helped prepare me for this role, what’s been most valuable is my deep personal connection to the Waterford community. As a Waterford graduate, a current resident, and a parent with two children in the school system, I have a unique understanding of the community’s values, challenges, and strengths.

These personal ties give me insight into the needs of students and families, and they shape how I approach my role each day. I’m not just serving this community, I’m a part of it. That perspective allows me to connect more meaningfully with students, staff, and parents, and helps me fulfill my role with empathy, understanding, and commitment.

What local legacy do you hope to leave in your current role with the Waterford Police Department?

I hope to be remembered as someone who gave my all to the students, families, and staff of Waterford. Someone who showed up every day with dedication, compassion, and a genuine commitment to their safety and well-being.

My goal is to be known not just as a uniformed officer, but as a trusted presence; someone who was there in both the good times and the difficult moments, offering support, guidance, and a steady hand.

If my time in this role leaves behind a legacy of trust, connection, and a safer, more supportive school environment, then I’ll consider it a success. I want the community to know that I was here for them—fully, consistently, and wholeheartedly.

Is there anything else you would like to add or mention, or anyone you would like to thank who helped you get to where you are today?

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to serve as a police officer with the Waterford Police Department for the past 25 years. It’s truly been a rewarding and fulfilling career. From working alongside three amazing police dogs between 2001 and 2018 to stepping into the role of school resource officer in 2018, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing so many unique and meaningful opportunities.

I’m deeply grateful for the support I’ve received over the years from colleagues, mentors, community members, and especially the students, staff, and families I’ve worked with. Every connection I’ve made has helped shape the officer I am today.

What continues to motivate me is the chance to play even a small role in the lives of the incredible young men and women who walk through the doors of Clark Lane Middle School. Being part of their journey, watching them grow, and knowing I can make a positive impact is what keeps me passionate about this work every single day.