Willowbrook welcomes new School Resource Officer

When Ernesto Perez followed his childhood dream of becoming a police officer, he knew he wanted to be a role model for children and teens and help guide them on a positive life path to pursue their goals.

So, when the position of School Resource Officer (SRO) opened up at Willowbrook, he quickly jumped at the opportunity. Perez (pictured above) will succeed Donald Giammarino, who served in that role since 2018.

“I look forward to speaking with classes here at Willowbrook to continue to build and improve the relationship and communication between the police department, students and families,” said Perez, who has been a Detective with the Villa Park Police Department for six years. “My goal is to bridge that gap and show the police department wants to be part of the community.”

Before joining the Villa Park Police Department, Perez served in the U.S. Army for nine years. He toured Iraq and is a combat veteran. Perez also worked at the Stone Park Police Department and the Forest Preserves of Cook County. He helps coordinate Law Enforcement Exploring as well, which is a program for students who are interested in a career in law enforcement or a related field in the criminal justice system.

Perez speaks English, Spanish and Italian and said he will have an open-door policy with all school stakeholders. To prepare for his new role, Perez is attending juvenile school and an academy for SROs, and he will shadow Giammarino for the beginning of the school year.

Perez said his job as SRO is to be the front line of defense to keep the school safe inside and out – but he knows it encompasses so much more.

“Students should be able to focus on preparing for adulthood and enjoying their high school experience, and I look forward to working with everyone here to ensure that environment,” Perez said. “I want to continue the legacy Giammarino and others before me have left behind.”

Willowbrook Principal Dr. Daniel Krause said the school is grateful for its partnership with the Villa Park Police Department, and he looks forward to having Perez join the Warrior family. He added the SRO position is an important asset to help ensure Willowbrook meets its top priority of maintaining a safe and secure learning environment.