Wa-Nee Community Schools is privileged to have law enforcement officers stationed in all five Wa-Nee buildings. Officers in school buildings help support a safe learning environment. Resource Officers provide safety, security, and, training as they build relationships with staff, students, and parents.
NorthWood High School
Lieutenant Kris Hershberger
Lieutenant Kris Hershberger has been employed with the Nappanee Police Department since 2013. In 2016, he was assigned the school resource officer position. He currently serves the students and staff of NorthWood High School. In addition, he serves the Nappanee Police Department as the training coordinator, firearms instructor, patrol rifle instructor, active shooter instructor, public information officer, and SWAT officer. Officer Hershberger believes that building relationships with the students he serves is the number one way to contribute to a safe school environment.
To contact Lieutenant Hershberger call 574-773-4127 or email
[email protected].
NorthWood Middle School
Officer John Tice
Officer Tice has been a law enforcement officer since 2014. He served two years as a reserve officer for the City of Nappanee before working for the Bremen Police Department, where he served for six years. In 2022, Officer Tice returned to the Nappanee Police Department and currently serves as a patrol officer and school resource officer. Officer Tice is a NASRO-certified School Resource Officer at NorthWood Middle School. He also serves the Nappanee Police Department as a firearms instructor, patrol rifle instructor, active shooter instructor, and field training officer. Tice also serves on the Kosciusko County SWAT team. Officer Tice says, "I enjoy interacting, teaching, and mentoring our community's youth at such a crucial age. Working with the middle school is interesting, to say the least, but I love being a part of their upbringing, interacting with them daily, and getting into the classrooms to teach law-related subjects. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. If there is anything I can do for you or your family, my door is always open to students and parents."
Nappanee Elementary School
Officer Dan Hawkins
Officer Dan Hawkins has served the City of Nappanee since 2009 as a law enforcement officer; 11 years full-time after 3
years as a reserve officer. Dan is certified as a field training officer, chemical breath test operator, background investigator, and CPTED specialist. Dan currently serves as a NASRO-certified School Resource Officer at Nappanee Elementary. Dan also serves the Nappanee Police Department as the pension secretary, which is an elected position. Dan has received the Chief's Commendation of Merit Award, is a two-time Life-Saving award winner, and is the first-ever recipient of the Reserve Office of the Year award in 2012.
Wakarusa Elementary School
Lieutenant James Geleske
Lieutenant James Geleske has been employed with the Wakarusa Police Department since 2013 after working for the City of Elkhart since 2006. James lives in Wakarusa with his wife and two children who attend Wa-Nee Community Schools. James currently serves as the School Resource Officer for Wakarusa Elementary School.
James says, "I look forward to building positive relations with the students to encourage them to strive for their best in all aspects of their lives, especially focusing on developing a safe learning environment for students and staff." James also states, "Let us work together for the safety of all" and is very thankful for the support of our communities.
Woodview Elementary School
Officer James Baumgartner
Officer James Baumgartner has served the City of Nappanee since 2009, 12 years full-time and 2 as a reserve officer. Officer Baumgartner is a NASRO certified School Resource Officer, as well as a CPTED specialist. James was nominated the Nappanee Police Department Officer of the Year in 2012. Officer Baumgartner has had one child previously graduate from Wa-Nee Community School and one child currently attending. James says, “I strive to provide a safe learning environment for all students and staff here at Woodview, as well as teaching, mentoring, and building relationships with the youth of my community. Helping these kids grow to become the best versions of themselves is fulfilling and I’m excited to see how that interprets into their future.”