When school resource officers, educators, and school safety professionals from across Colorado gathered for the 2026 Colorado Association of School Resource Officers (CASRO) Regional School Safety Conference, the awards they received had a unique local connection. The custom awards presented during the conference were designed and manufactured by students in the Advanced Manufacturing Academy at the Career Elevation and Technology Center (CETC) in Longmont.
The project was made possible through a partnership initiated by Frederick High School School Resource Officer and Frederick Police Department Sergeant Andrew Fairbanks, who serves as Vice President of CASRO. Looking for a meaningful way to recognize this year’s award recipients while creating a hands-on learning opportunity for students, Fairbanks partnered with Advanced Manufacturing Academy instructor Austin Reid to produce the conference awards.
Working alongside Reid, students designed, fabricated, and finished the awards using industry-standard manufacturing techniques and equipment. The project allowed students to apply the technical skills they have developed in machining and manufacturing while producing professional-quality awards that were presented to school safety leaders from across Colorado.
“This project gave our students the opportunity to experience what it’s like to deliver a product for a real client with statewide visibility,” said Austin Reid, instructor for the Advanced Manufacturing Academy. “They weren’t just learning technical skills, they were solving problems, working as a team, and seeing their craftsmanship recognized by professionals from across Colorado. That’s exactly the type of real-world experience we strive to provide.”
“The craftsmanship and attention to detail demonstrated by these students was outstanding,” said Sergeant Andrew Fairbanks. “The awards represent the professionalism and pride these students put into their work. It was an honor to showcase their talents while recognizing the outstanding school resource officers and educators who make a difference in the lives of students every day.”
The awards were presented during the 2026 CASRO Regional School Safety Conference, held June 7 – 10 in Colorado Springs. The annual conference brings together school resource officers, educators, administrators, and school safety professionals from across Colorado for training and professional development focused on creating safe, supportive learning environments.