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Worcester honors school resource officer Josh Timko and recognizes first responders for de-escalation work
Summary
At its Oct. 6 meeting the Worcester City Council highlighted a Guardian Award for school resource officer Josh Timko, praised police and fire responses in recent critical incidents and noted community engagement activities.
The Worcester City Council on Oct. 6 recognized School Resource Officer Josh Timko with praise after the officer received a Guardian Award from the county Mental Health Recovery Board for response to behavioral-health crises.
Director of Administration Mr. Montgomery told the council the award honors first responders who demonstrate “exceptional dedication and compassion in serving individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.” Montgomery said Timko’s response to an incident involving an eighth grader and the officer’s broader rapport with students were factors cited by the awarding body.
“Officer Timko consistently demonstrates compassionate skill and work with individuals experiencing crisis,” Montgomery said. “He’s deeply respected and well loved by students.” Several council members added their congratulations in the meeting’s remarks section. Council member Ms. Wharton said she wished Timko the best in future endeavors; Ms. Knappick and Ms. Malta noted his positive presence in schools and commended the department’s broader efforts in developing crisis-response skills.
Council members also used the meeting to acknowledge other public-safety and community items mentioned by administration: the return of Chief Fisher to school duty, recognition of multiple officers for their response to an armed suicidal situation two weeks earlier, and deployment of a recently arrived fire truck. Mr. Montgomery listed the officers by name as being recognized by the commanding officer and members of the public for their handling of that incident.
In ancillary remarks the administration also told the council about ongoing community engagement and development items: the citizens’ government academy sessions, outreach to the College of Wooster’s new board leadership and recent development plan approvals including final development plans filed for a Texas Roadhouse and a Chick-fil-A site. Montgomery also said FedEx submitted plans for a conveyor and had begun moving into a warehouse on Airport Road. The council did not take formal action on those items during the meeting.
The council adjourned after roughly two and a half hours of business and communications.
