School Resources Officers are heroes by default, dedicating their careers to keeping our schools safe. However, one local SRO, Deputy Stephanie Reaber, has officially reached SUPER hero status after her quick reaction saved a young boy’s life. 

Like every other superhero, her origin story begins on an ordinary day…

On August 16, Deputy Reaber was doing her usual lunchroom duty at Millersville Elementary by giving out high fives and smiles to the newest members of her school, the kindergarten crew. The room was abuzz with laughter and the slurping of juice boxes as the hungry kiddos enjoyed their mid-day break. 

All of the sudden, from across the room, a cry for help activated Deputy Reaber’s superhero senses. A distressed lunchroom assistant was calling her attention to Leven, one of the kindergartners. He was choking!

“His face was already changing colors,” said Deputy Reaber. "I knew right away that I had to GO.”

Deputy Reaber swung into action, criss-crossing the room, dodging tables and pint-sized bystanders who were oblivious to their friend in peril. Then—without hesitation— she started the Heimlich Maneuver on Leven, successfully dislodging the culprit, a villainous orange slice.

Leven let out a soft cry as his breathing returned to normal, assuring his hero that he was okay. 

“You squished me really hard,” Leven told Deputy Reaber as he quickly returned to his fun loving five year old self. After a swift trip to the school nurse, Leven was evaluated as being in tip-top shape and ready to keep learning. 

Deputy Reaber had saved the day!

“Being an SRO is seriously the greatest job,” said Deputy Reaber. “I love my school and all the kids!” 

Reaber, a five year veteran, and the rest of the Sumner County SRO heroes were recently awarded The 2023 Model Agency Award by the National Association of School Resource Officers. 

Keep up the great work team!