Police Officers of Puerto Rico Share Lessons in Service and Sacrifice with Barringer High School Students

NEWARK, N.J. – Nine police officers from Puerto Rico brought lessons in public service, perseverance and personal responsibility to Barringer High School during a candid conversation with 113 students, including 34 uniformed members of the school’s Junior ROTC program.
 
Principal Natasha Pared welcomed the officers, who represented a variety of law enforcement specialties and collectively brought decades of experience in policing, including traffic enforcement, narcotics investigations, maritime operations, specialized tactical units and police instruction.
 
“This was an opportunity for our students to hear directly from police officers who have dedicated their careers to serving others,” said Superintendent León. “The lessons the officers shared about education, discipline, family, perseverance and service transcend any particular career. Those are lessons that will serve our students wherever their futures take them.”
 
The event was made possible with the help of Board Member Louis Maisonave, Jr., a Newark Firefighter who has participated in exchange programs with public safety professionals in Puerto Rico. It also followed the district’s launch of Police and Fire Career Pathways last April.
 
During the discussion, the officers spoke openly about why they entered law enforcement, the sacrifices associated with the profession and the importance of remaining focused on education and positive choices.
 
Officer Rubén Castillo Román, a 35-year veteran assigned to the traffic division in Arecibo, told students his decision to enter law enforcement grew out of a desire to make his community better.
 
“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do anything in life,” Castillo Román told the students. “Don’t let anyone put up walls for you. Show everyone they’re wrong. We can do good, move forward and build a better world for all of us and for those who come after us.”
 
Officer Efraín Pérez Rodríguez described his work with Puerto Rico’s Fuerzas Unidas de Rápida Acción (FURA), or United Rapid Action Forces, which includes specialized units such as SWAT, canine, diving, maritime, and rescue operations. Pérez Rodríguez, who has served for approximately 25 years, encouraged students interested in law enforcement to remain committed to their goals.
 
Other officers described experiences ranging from highway patrol and narcotics enforcement to police training and community outreach.
 
When students asked about the most difficult moments of their careers, the officers spoke frankly about dangerous encounters and the emotional toll those experiences can have on officers and their families.
 
Their message repeatedly returned to education, discipline and family.
 
“Study. What you learn is yours; nobody can take it away from you,” one officer told the students. “Afterward, you can choose what career to pursue. If you study, you can achieve it.”
 
Another officer emphasized that discipline would be essential whether students ultimately choose careers in law enforcement or pursue a different path.
 
“Be determined and firm in what you’re going to do,” he said. “Don’t set limits for yourselves. You can go wherever you want, but you have to work hard and follow that path.”
 
The officers also cautioned students about drugs, peer pressure and decisions that can jeopardize their futures, encouraging them to think independently and resist pressure to impress others.
 
“The best way is to be yourself,” one narcotics officer told students. “Don’t let anyone lead you into doing something just to look cool.”
 
Barringer’s Junior ROTC students were particularly interested in what preparation is required to pursue a career in law enforcement. The officers discussed the importance of completing high school, following rules, developing self-discipline and continuing to learn from teachers, instructors and mentors.
 
“This kind of experience makes learning real for our students,” said Principal Pared. “They were able to ask questions directly of experienced officers, hear about both the rewards and sacrifices of public service and see professionals who share their language and cultural connections. Most importantly, our students heard again and again that their education, their choices and their discipline will determine what opportunities are available to them.”
 
The officers were visiting the area as members of a police softball team that also participates in charitable activities. Castillo Román explained that the team regularly supports communities in Puerto Rico by providing children and schools with bicycles, backpacks, notebooks, pencils and other supplies.
 
Board of Education President Hasani K. Council said the visit reflected the District’s commitment to exposing students to professionals and experiences that broaden their understanding of possible careers.
 
“Our students benefit when accomplished professionals take the time to tell them not only how they succeeded, but what they endured and learned along the way,” President Council said. “These officers gave our students an important message: value your education, listen to the people who are trying to help you, stay disciplined and believe in what you can accomplish.”
 
The officers closed their visit by encouraging students to value their families, respect their teachers and instructors and continue pursuing their education regardless of the careers they ultimately choose.