Published: November 18, 2009 09:46 pm      

Security officer named support employee of year

Niemeier has worked at NAHS since 1984

Vernon Niemeier, a security officer at New Albany High School, was named the New Albany-Floyd County Consolidated School Corp. Educational Support Employee-of-the-Year at a banquet Tuesday night.

Niemeier has work at NAHS since 1984. Before that, he served as a police officer for the city of New Albany where he began his career in 1964.

“You may see me in and around the school,” he said, “working behind the scenes, doing what I can to make sure NAHS is a safe environment for students and staff.”

Niemeier assists the administration by dealing with security and safety issues with students, patrolling the parking lot, tracking down truant students, directing traffic and working as a liaison between school officials and bus drivers. He also makes home visits, checking on students with poor attendance.

Niemeier told the audience Tuesday that he is proud to be a public servant.

“I firmly and passionately believe that there is no such thing as a bad child. Sometimes children choose to do the wrong thing because they have never been shown or taught the right thing. Every child is worth educating and saving and that is my life mission.”

In 1971, Niemeier was appointed as the first juvenile officer for New Albany. His goal was to reach children and prevent them from becoming involved in crime. He also developed the first “Officer Friendly” program by visiting all elementary schools in Floyd County, training children in safety. Finally, he was instrumental in developing the “Stranger Danger” program, adopted later by the Atlanta police department.

Bruce Hibbard, NA-FC superintendent, said, “Mr. Niemeier represents the many public servants in our schools; they care deeply for children. They are the pulse of public education and core of our success. Mr. Niemeier represents what public education is all about.”