by Maddy Lingk | staff writer

Officer Reyes Bermea has joined the campus as its sole officer, replacing officer Gina Ochoa who was recently moved to Tex Hill Middle School. 

“Sometimes they just move officers around to get different experiences,” assistant principal Steven Berg said.

Ochoa now works at Tex Hill Middle School; Bermea took Ochoa’s place a couple of weeks ago.

“We’ve always had one since the campus opened 15 years ago. We’ve always had at least one,” Berg said. 

According to Berg, there have always been one or more officers in the past, but this year there will be only one. 

“So I think it’s viewed as a very positive impact. He’s already talking to kids and being visible,” Berg said. “He’s answering questions for some kids that are interested in going into law enforcement or just asking him about his job.” 

Even though Bermea is a police officer, his job is to connect and create a safe environment for students.

“So they are hired to provide a safe environment for students, staff, parents when they come on campus or come to campus events, whether it’s a football game or a band concert,” Berg said.

“There has always been an increased demand, but Northeast has always had officers on their secondary campuses,” Berg said.

Although Bermea is new to the school, he has had plenty of experience as a police officer in the field.

“Well, I was an officer for many years in the streets, and I thought I could bring my experience to the school setting and try to make a difference,” Bermea said.

He previously worked on the border in Maverick County. According to Bermea, he enjoys working in the school.

“Well, I get to work with a lot of different types of people and get to know a lot of people,” Bermea said.

Officers on campus are there to deal with potential crimes but their ultimate purpose is protection.

“They handle those on the legal side as well. So for the most part, their job is just safety and protection of the people on our campus or at events,” Berg said.