Police Officer Steve Austin, who is Lawrence High School’s school resource officer and a member of the U.S. Army National Guard, was welcomed home by the Lawrence Township Council following an overseas deployment.
The Township Council acknowledged the popular school resource officer with a proclamation at its Sept. 15 meeting, noting his completion of a one-year tour of duty in Iraq.
Austin is a lieutenant colonel and the deputy commanding officer in the U.S. Army National Guard’s 42nd Regional Support Group, which is based in Somerset. He served for 10 years as an active duty soldier in the U.S. Army before transitioning to the U.S. Army National Guard. He took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom and also was deployed to South Korea.
During his year-long deployment to Iraq, Austin “demonstrated extraordinary courage, selfless service and an unwavering commitment to protecting the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans,” according to the proclamation.
During his deployment, Austin made significant personal sacrifices by serving far from his family, friends, colleagues and the Lawrence Township community, the proclamation said.
“In addition to his military service, Lt. Col. Austin serves the Lawrence Township community as the school resource officer at Lawrence High School, where he has become a trusted mentor, educator, role model and protector of our students, faculty and staff,” it stated.
Austin’s commitment to public service extends beyond the classroom and exemplifies the highest ideals of leadership, professionalism and dedication both in uniform and within the community. He embodies the values of honor, duty, courage and service, “bringing great pride to Lawrence Township and serving as an inspiration to future generations,” the proclamation said.
“The Mayor and Township Council proudly welcomes Lt. Col. Austin home and expresses its deepest appreciation for his continued service to the residents of Lawrence Township through his role as a Lawrence Township police officer,” it stated.
Austin thanked Mayor Christopher Bobbitt and the Township Council, as well as Interim Police Chief Kevin Reading Jr. and Acting Municipal Manager Christopher Longo.
“This is a great opportunity to be recognized. For anybody who knows me, I don’t like the spotlight. I just come to work and do my job and go home. But I accept this proclamation on behalf of the unit that I was a part of from New Jersey,” Austin said.
“I told Mr. Longo before the meeting that a lot of people around the world know that if you want to get something done and get it done the right way, you call on a New Jersey National Guardsman. That’s the lasting legacy that we have from this past deployment,” he said.
“I will continue to be the best SRO and police officer that I can be. Thank you for the opportunity to be recognized,” Austin said as he accepted the proclamation.
