Local Spotlight: School Resource Officer Adam Tichy

After only two years on the job as the local school resource officer, Adam Tichy was named by the Old Orchard Beach Police Department as its Officer of the Year for 2025.

Tichy graduated from the 39th Basic Law Enforcement Training Program at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in 2021. He started his career at the Saco Police Department, where he served as the School Resource Officer for the Saco School District.

Saco Bay News: Were you surprised by this honor?

Tichy: Yes, absolutely. We’re nominated by our peers. It’s all on them.

SBN: Why did you want to be a police officer?

Tichy: Honestly, to help others and make a difference for myself. It's something I always wanted to do; the opportunity presented itself in that role.

SBN: Why were you attracted to the role of School Resource Officer?

Tichy: I chose to do so. I went through the Interview process and specialized training.

SBN: Did you attend college as well?

Tichy: Yes, Naugatuck Community College in Connecticut. I graduated with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice.

SBN: What’s the most challenging part of your job?

Tichy: I’d say seeing children in need. The most rewarding is, we can provide resources and organize things so they have a better future.

SBN: What do you like most?

Tichy: I would say the impact with this particular role. A positive influence on youth can have long-term effects.

SBN: What’s your style as an SRO?

Tichy: My role is basically as an informal counselor. So they’ll be able to come to me when they need assistance. A lot of it is as an observer and connecting with kids.

SBN: What is your long-term career goal?

Tichy: I would say school resource officer another 10 years to see the pre-K graduate. Then move up the ranks to corporal or sergeant.

What's it like to be a patrolman in OOB in the summer?

Very busy but very rewarding. People come here to vacation and it gives them a place to do so. It's a great opportunity.

Which position do you like best?

SRO is a specialty role and my preferred position. It’s a proactive role, so they’re (students) are positive members of the community.

SBN: What’s the most interesting event you’ve participated in?

Tichy: I would say a back-and-forth between the police department and the fire department that turned into a friendly competition of who can eat more ice cream and raise the most for charity. The OOB Spring Block Party (was) on May 17, and the fire department, public works and police department (were) there. Kids (were able to) see the big vehicles; it’s like a touch-a-truck event. And lots of ice cream, of course.

SBN: In a press release from the department, Deputy Chief David Hemingway noted your initiative in implementing increased security measures and technology to enhance safety at the schools.

Tichy: We implemented an emergency management system that’s almost like a panic button. It makes the response time even shorter.

SBN: Is there one experience you’ve enjoyed the most?

Tichy: There’s been so many. I would say the toy drive for Christmas was absolutely incredible with the amount of people who gave to kids in need. The joy brought to families was incredible.

SBN: What advice would you give young people today?

Treating everyone with empathy and compassion. Building trust among one another.

Ann Fisher is a freelance journalist based in Southern Maine. She can be reached at 432-7483.