Filling the shoes of recently retired school police officer Jeff Gower, former Pennsylvania state trooper Todd Wright has taken on the position.
Wright hopes to sustain a safe and friendly environment for all students.
Coming to the high school after a former career in law enforcement, Wright was inspired to go into the field by his uncle.
“Growing up my uncle, my mom’s brother, was a state trooper. Just talking to him and seeing him in uniform I always had an interest in it,” Wright said.
During Wright’s career in law enforcement, he became involved in the forensics unit. “I was always interested in the forensics science aspect,” Wright said. “As I was working as a state trooper, spots for the forensic unit became open, so I interviewed for them, took a test, I scored really well and got into the unit. I did that for basically the rest of my career.”
After a long journey with the police force Wright decided to retire. “With where I was at, I decided to retire at 25 years,” Wright said.
Wright believes the transition of jobs was easy, due to his familiarity with Souderton through his family.
“My girls are here. One is a senior and one a freshman. My son was here when he graduated last year and my wife works in the district,” Wright said. “So I’ve always liked the district, and I know a lot of kids already.”
Wright hopes to be an “approachable” officer for students to come to in times of need.
“Students may have a bad home life or a bad day here, and I’m good at either relating to them or trying to make it more positive,” Wright said.
Senior Campbell Wright, Wright’s oldest daughter, feels that when people get to know her dad they will see how supportive he is.
“My dad is an outgoing and supportive person. He loves getting to know other people and I think people will see that once they get to know him,” Campbell said.
According to security guard Tricia Ripka, students will see how much Wright cares about them. “I think they will see just the way he cares by trying to get to know everybody,” Ripka said.
Wright is motivated to “break the shells,” of quieter students that aren’t always willing to talk.