Officer Jason Peruzzi Honored for Innovative Classroom Traffic Safety Education

In a remarkable recognition of his commitment to public service and education, Officer Jason Peruzzi, a school resource officer in the Canajoharie Central School District, has been awarded the coveted 2025 "Innovation in the Classroom Award." This accolade, presented jointly by The National Road Safety Foundation and the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), underscores the vital role that law enforcement professionals play in fostering traffic safety awareness among students.

Officer Peruzzi's dedication to educating students on traffic safety earned him this national honor, which will be bestowed upon him during the NASRO annual conference taking place on July 7 in Grapevine, Texas. This award not only highlights his innovative teaching methods but also emphasizes the collaboration between school resource officers and educational institutions in addressing critical safety issues.

Since beginning his law enforcement career in 2007 and assuming the role of Canajoharie's first school resource officer in 2016, Officer Peruzzi has adeptly tailored his programs to suit various age groups, from pre-K through high school. His approach fosters trust between students and law enforcement, a vital aspect of community relations.

For young children, particularly first and second graders, he organizes engaging activities such as bike rodeos, where they learn to recognize and understand traffic signals and laws in a fun, interactive manner. Moving into middle school, his curriculum shifts to tackle the stark realities of traffic crashes, focusing on the consequences these incidents have on drivers, passengers, and families.

At the high school level, his comprehensive programming takes a more direct approach, collaborating with driver education teachers to cover topics like speeding and impairment. One particularly impactful aspect of his initiatives includes having students don drunk driving goggles while maneuvering a driving course, thus providing firsthand experience of the dangers associated with impaired driving. Additionally, he organizes a "Teen Driver Safety Week," which features the sobering visual demonstration of crashed vehicles strategically placed on school grounds to illustrate the drastic consequences of reckless driving.

Mo Canady, the Executive Director of NASRO, praised Officer Peruzzi for his continuous engagement in schools, stating that his efforts illustrate how a consistent police presence fosters trust and respect within the student community. This sentiment is echoed by Michelle Anderson, Director of Operations at The National Road Safety Foundation, who acknowledged Officer Peruzzi's creativity and dedication to enhancing safety education, which not only equips students with knowledge but also leaves lasting impressions on their driving habits.

NASRO is a leader in school-based policing, advocating for partnerships between school districts and law enforcement to ensure a safe learning environment. By equipping officers with the necessary tools to educate, mentor, and protect, NASRO strives to cultivate a positive perception of law enforcement among students.

The National Road Safety Foundation, established over 60 years ago, remains committed to reducing accidents and fatalities on the nation's roads. Their mission involves raising awareness around crucial driving issues such as distracted driving and impaired driving, making them pivotal partners in initiatives like the one Officer Peruzzi represents.

In his role, Officer Peruzzi has nurtured relationships not only within the educational system but also within the wider community, proving that law enforcement can play an integrative role in youth education and safety. With awards like the "Innovation in the Classroom Award," it is clear that dedicated officers like him are making significant impacts in promoting safe driving practices and enhancing the overall safety of their communities, shaping a brighter future for both students and the roads they will navigate.

For more information about NASRO and their programs, visit www.nasro.org. To learn about the National Road Safety Foundation's initiatives, check out www.nrsf.org.