Local Ron Watson Middle School school resource officer wins award
Eduardo Morales
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma Police Department (YPD) Officer Cassandra Reed was recognized for her work at Ron Watson Middle School.
Officer Reed has been a school resource officer for three years at the local middle school.
This year she was honored with the 2025 Law Related Education Officer of the Year award.
The award recognizes great contributions from Arizona police and probation officers in furthering education.
Reed says she is passionate about the position.
“This is literally what I love to do. I love to come to work, I love to talk to students, and help them and just kind of help them throughout their career here in middle school,” she says.
However, the school is not surprised that she won the award.
“Well, it feels amazing, as I was telling you because we already knew that we had an award-winning SRO without the title, Officer Reed is a huge asset to our campus,” said Ron Watson Assistant Principal Jennifer Stanley.
The school, along with the students, appear to admire her work.
“Yes I love Officer Reed, ’cause she’s such a good cop, and she’s not just a cop, she’s a very good person,” said one local student.
Reed describes how important it is for her to develop these bonds with the students.
“It’s those long-lasting relationships that you’re actually building, that positivity, that role model, and if they happen to one day be in law enforcement then we’re all here for it you know, but just to guide them,” Reed says.
She claims that she is honored and thankful for the award, and hopes to have inspired students along the way.