For nearly two decades, School Resource Officer Rod Kraft has been a familiar and trusted presence in the halls of Waterloo schools. As he “signs off” for the last time and starts his retirement, the district reflects on the lasting impact he has made — not only by helping keep schools safe, but by building relationships with generations of students, staff, and families. 

A lifelong Waterloo resident, Kraft’s commitment to serving his hometown began long before he became the district’s School Resource Officer. Growing up in Waterloo, where his family owned a local business, he developed a deep connection to the community and a desire to give back. After beginning his law enforcement career with the sheriff’s department in 1991, he soon transitioned to the ranks of the Waterloo Police Department. 

In 2008, Kraft helped establish Waterloo Central School District’s first School Resource Officer program. At the time, the role was still relatively new, and not everyone understood how an SRO would fit into the day-to-day operations of the district. 

“I remember one student telling me I was going to ruin his senior year,” Kraft recalled with a smile. 

Rather than allowing those early perceptions to define the position, Kraft focused on getting to know students, earning their trust, and becoming a positive presence throughout the district. Over time, students came to see him as someone they could approach — not just during emergencies, but for everyday conversations, advice, or simply a friendly greeting in the hallway. 

Some of his favorite memories reflect those connections. Younger students still talk about the time he chased the Grinch out of the building during a holiday celebration, creating a memorable experience for both the students and Sgt. Kraft. Other moments carried a deeper meaning, including a multi-agency lockdown drill when a young student looked at the responding officers, including Kraft’s own son who was with the State Police at the drill, and quietly called them her “heroes.” 

“It’s moments like that you never forget,” said Kraft, who retired as a full-time officer in 2020 but stayed on as a part-time SRO for the past six years before officially stepping away on June 30.  

While many people recognize the School Resource Officer as a visible part of school safety, Kraft is quick to point out that creating a safe and supportive learning environment is a shared responsibility. 

“I’m just one piece of the puzzle,” he said. “The administrators, teachers, counselors, maintenance staff, support staff, parents — we all work together. That’s what makes it successful.” 

That collaborative mindset has defined Kraft’s approach throughout his career. By working alongside school staff and building strong relationships with students and families, he helped create an environment where safety and trust go hand in hand. 

As he retires, Kraft leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond law enforcement. His compassion, steady presence, and genuine care for Waterloo’s students have made a lasting difference in the lives of countless students and colleagues. 

Waterloo Central School District extends its sincere gratitude to Officer Rod Kraft for his years of dedicated service and wishes him all the best in his retirement.