Honoring the Service and Strength of Meridian’s First Responders

Meridian is a community that values those who serve on the front lines of the Meridian Police and Fire Departments. Recently, we’ve had several reminders of the incredible people we have in these public safety agencies working for you, our residents and businesses who call Meridian home.

Tomorrow during our City Council meeting we will be recognizing Meridian Police Officer Robert Rodriguez with the Enrique “Kiki” Camarena Award for the State of Idaho. This award, presented by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Drug Awareness Commission, honors a law enforcement professional each year who demonstrates an unwavering commitment to drug prevention and youth education.

School Resource Officer (SRO) Rodriguez was recognized for his ability to build trust with students, promote healthy decision-making, and provide a safe environment within schools. This award reflects not only his personal dedication but also the Police Department’s long-standing commitment to drug prevention and youth outreach.

Officer Rodriguez’s spirit of excellence is mirrored by our entire SRO team, which was recently named a Model SRO Agency by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO). Only seven departments nationwide were recognized this year with this honor.

This designation recognizes agencies that excel in using the NASRO triad model, where officers serve as informal counselors, law-related educators, and law enforcement officials within schools. Through proactive engagement, student mentorship, and campus safety initiatives, Meridian’s SROs are shaping the next generation of residents and strengthening our community every day.

This same spirit of service extends to the men and women of the Meridian Fire Department (MFD). Two weeks ago, the MFD answered a call to support a fellow Idaho community in mourning. The department deployed a four-person engine company and a battalion chief to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to provide local fire coverage as north Idaho firefighters attended the memorial services for fallen Kootenai County firefighters Battalion Chief John Morrison and Chief Frank Harwood.

Additionally, the Meridian Police Department’s Honor Guard also traveled to Coeur d’Alene to participate in the memorial ceremonies and represented our city with dignity and respect.

We are blessed in Meridian to have people who care so much about the work they do and the people they serve every day to keep our community safe. I know they don’t do it for recognition, but it is important for us all to recognize excellence and say thank you and congratulations for going above and beyond. Their dedication to our city and exceptional work is what continues to make Meridian a safe community built around families.