Joseph Kozarian, Fox Chapel Area School District’s chief of police, will soon add a new title to his resume.

The law enforcement veteran takes over as treasurer for the National Association of School Resource Officers in July.

“It’s a great honor, great organization and wonderful people,” said Kozarian, 55, of the South Hills. “Just a network that I get to experience with officers from all over the country and the world.”

NASRO is a nonprofit organization founded in 1991 for school-based law enforcement officers, school administrators, and school security and/or safety professionals who work to protect schools and their students, faculty, and staff members.

“Joe is a long-term NASRO member in good standing as well as an instructor,” NASRO Executive Director Mo Canady said. “He has also served on the board previously.”

Kozarian also serves asa NASRO instructor.

He has been with the Fox Chapel Area School District since October 2018 and oversees eight officers.

“I feel good about it every day waking up and coming here,” Kozarian said. “It is a lot of responsibility, the safety and security of everybody … Protecting students and staff is our number one priority. The officers here, a lot of them are retired, but they love doing what they’re doing.”

Kozarian also works as a part-time police officer in Blawnox and is a certified EMT.

District spokeswoman Bonnie Berzonski commended Kozarian’s leadership and how he and his fellow school officers have developed relationships and mentorships with the students over the years.

“Building relationships is the number one deterrent for crime in schools,” Berzonski said. “It’s a really important part of it, I think, that people don’t necessarily think about. You go into any building and you will see the kids interacting with the school resource officers because they are all over the place. They truly know these kids.

“These officers have come into our buildings, and with Joe stressing the relationship aspect and the importance of the relationship aspect of school policing, it has made a huge difference. They also see some of these officers out at community community functions.

”They are quality individuals that really truly serve as examples for our students.”

As NASRO treasurer, Kozarian will sit on a nine-member executive board and help make decisions on its programs and where to allocate resources. It has more than 4,650 members.

“We’re making sure everything’s taken care of so we can continue our mission as far as working in schools,” he said. “It’s nice to be on the board where we can make decisions as far as what kind of training to put out there for the country, what kind of training we’re going to offer the police officers, updating our curriculum. … Being at that table is a great feeling that you’re leading school safety.”

A former Forward Township police officer, Kozarian recently celebrated 26 years of marriage with his wife, Lori. They have five children and three grandchildren.

He said the family has been very supportive throughout his career, and are excited about his new position.

“They always say, ‘Behind every good man is a great wife,’” Kozarian said. “(They are) very proud.”

Kozarian will be sworn in to the new role following the National School Safety Conference in Aurora, Colo.

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