West Deer, Deer Lakes schools renew police agreement

West Deer’s police department will continue to station officers at Deer Lakes schools.

Township supervisors and the school board approved a memorandum of understanding between the two bodies for policing at Curtisville Primary Center, East Union Intermediate Center and Deer Lakes Middle School.

Police Chief Robert Loper told supervisors Deer Lakes High School already has a township police officer working as a school resource officer through a previous agreement between the district and the township.

District spokesman Shawn Annarelli said the agreement began in 2019 and noted the district is committed to continuing its relationship with the township’s police force.

“Deer Lakes School District’s top priority is always safety, security and well-being of students and staff,” he said.

Conditions of the agreement include officers meeting with school administrators before the school year to review expectations and having all officers sign in and out of buildings.

Officers must go through special education, including de-escalation and restraint training. Officers also attend district safety meetings.

Loper said the conditions were agreed upon by him and Superintendent Janell Logue-Belden.

“It looks like everybody’s good on both sides,” Loper said.

Police officer hired

The supervisors accepted a resignation from a part-time police officer and hired another part-time officer.

Ross Orler resigned from West Deer because he was hired as a full-time officer for the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.

Aaron Fuesting was hired as a part-time police officer. Fuesting has worked as an officer for Freeport and South Buffalo Township and served for six years in the Air Force. Loper said Fuesting is from Harrison and graduated from St. Joseph High School.

“Aaron’s coming to us with good qualifications that could benefit our department,” Loper said.