On April 9, at the Professional Development Center, Deputy Pilar Nieves was honored as the 2025 School Resource Officer (SRO) of the Year by Union County Public Schools.
Deputy Nieves, who serves at Sardis Elementary, was celebrated alongside the other finalists—Deputy Dwight Barrett from Sun Valley Middle School and Officer Chase McSheehan from Monroe High—for their dedication to their school communities. When she was announced the winner, the room erupted in applause.
“Her uniform may say “Deputy,” but ask anyone at Sardis Elementary, and they will tell you she wears many hats: mentor, coach, protector and advocate. Students are greeted daily by someone who radiates strength and compassion, and Deputy Nieves has become a trusted face and a source of calm for countless students, staff and families,” said Sgt. Megan Kimball with the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
With 15 years in the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Nieves has built a career grounded in care and commitment. Her journey has taken her from working in the jail and courthouse to criminal investigations and civil cases. But it’s her current role as an SRO that she calls, “the most rewarding and positive role I’ve ever had.”
Deputy Nieves’s roots trace back to the Bronx in New York City, where she was raised just blocks from the New York Police Department’s (NYPD) 42nd precinct. As a teenager, she briefly joined the NYPD Police Explorers, a program similar to the one she now supports in Union County. Her father was concerned about her safety, especially when walking home late at night, so she did not finish the program. Nevertheless, her dream of serving never faded.
After moving to North Carolina, she enrolled at South Piedmont Community College (SPCC) and rekindled her interest in law enforcement. While attending SPCC, she met the director of the Criminal Justice Program, who encouraged her to join the Basic Law Enforcement Training Program. Within a day, she was sponsored, and the rest is history.
Over the years, Deputy Nieves has served in high-stakes and emotionally demanding roles. From investigating sexual assault cases involving children to working on Internet Crimes Against Children cases with the State Bureau of Investigation, she has seen some of the most challenging sides of law enforcement. But it is her heart for kids that has always set her apart.
“I’ve always wanted to be a police officer,” she shared. "I never had the opportunity when I was younger, but finally went for it at 35. I took a chance because it was what I wanted to do, and I succeeded. It’s a lot of work—but I truly love what I do. You have to love kids, and you have to love what you do. Otherwise, you’re not going to be happy. I wake up every day grateful that I get to do this.”
She especially cherishes the relationships she’s built with students—like being called “Officer Mommy” by some of the younger students and special needs children.
“The older kids look up to me too,” she said. “You get to talk with them about success—what it looks like in school and beyond. I try to impact someone’s life every day, even if it’s something small.”
At Sardis Elementary, her presence extends far beyond safety and security. Principal Kelly Frycz shared how much Deputy Nieves means to the school community.
“First of all, she's so deserving. She is such a part of our community. Not only does she keep us safe, she is about kids and learning. She collaborates with teachers. She teaches lessons. She's the epitome of what you would hope an SRO is,” said Frycz. “I'm so proud of her and the work she does with our students, families and community. She's passionate and cares about people. Her experience has impacted our community and me as a leader.”
She brings that same passion to her work outside the classroom walls, too. Whether she's coaching Girls on the Run, leading a car seat safety day for parents, or assisting with Project Lifesaver to support students with special needs, Deputy Nieves shows up with her whole heart. She also regularly helps fellow SROs navigate cases involving Spanish-speaking families, ensuring communication is never a barrier to care.
Currently pursuing her bachelor’s in criminal justice at Western Carolina University, with plans to continue into a master’s program in cybersecurity, Deputy Nieves believes in leading by example. She wants her students to know that their past does not define them and that their future is theirs to shape.
"The message I convey is to commit every day to reach kids, connect and show that we care—not just with words, but with actions,” said Deputy Nieves.
To Deputy Nieves, being genuine is the key to trust.
“All the things that any person has experienced in life, from triumph to trauma, should be utilized to assist others in overcoming their struggles,” she said.
In acknowledging the critical role that SROs like Deputy Nieves play, Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan reflected on the broader partnership, saying, “I believe the partnership between law enforcement, emergency services and Union County Public Schools is unique and vital. We couldn’t do this work alone. A special thanks to Sheriff Cathey and Chief Gilliard for their collaboration in enhancing our SRO program. With support from our county commissioners, we are now one of the only school systems in North Carolina, and the largest, to have a dedicated one-to-one SRO program. We tell parents every day that when they send their children to school, they deserve a high-quality education in a safe environment. This work to keep our staff, students, and community safe is incredibly important, and we can’t thank you enough.”
04/10/2025
