In Byron, Deputy Emily Hardesty stands as a trusted figure. As the School Resource Officer (SRO) for Byron Schools, she isn’t just a badge or a uniform—she’s a bridge between law enforcement and the students, families, and faculty she serves. Every day, Emily works to build relationships, provide safety, and change the narrative around how young people view police officers. But what makes her story truly remarkable is her approach—balancing enforcement with empathy, discipline with compassion.

A Unique Path to Policing

Emily didn’t stumble into law enforcement by accident. From a young age, she knew she wanted to be a cop. Growing up in DeKalb, she got her first taste of the profession when she was still in high school. “I started by helping our school’s resource officer with sting operations to stop underage tobacco and alcohol sales,” she recalls. That early exposure, though unconventional, fueled her passion for policing. “It was fun, and it lit a passion in me to pursue this career.”

After starting her career with the Rochelle Police Department and serving for 11 years, Emily made the transition to the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office. Since then, she’s worked in various roles, including as a canine handler. But in 2019, when the opportunity arose to become the SRO at Byron Schools, she took on a challenge that was unlike anything she’d experienced before. “I didn’t have kids of my own, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But now, after six years, I can say it’s one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve had.”

Connecting with Students and Shaping Perceptions

In her role, Emily wears multiple hats— counselor, educator, and protector. One of her main goals is to reshape how young people see law enforcement. “When I first started, some students, especially those from homes where police weren’t seen in a positive light, had their guard up,” she explains. “But over time, as I’ve gotten to know them and they’ve gotten to know me, those barriers have come down.”

Take, for instance, a student who had been wary of the police due to negative experiences at home. For years, the student viewed law enforcement through a lens of distrust. But thanks to Emily’s persistence and her genuine interactions, that same student now greets her in the halls, eager to share personal milestones, like getting a new job or talking about relationships. “It’s about being human,” Emily says. “I joke, I laugh, I listen. They see me as more than a cop—and that’s what builds trust.”

A Safe, Positive Environment

Unlike her days on patrol, where she mostly responded to negative situations, being an SRO allows Emily to foster a safe and positive environment for students. “On patrol, you deal with crises—domestic disputes, traffic stops, dangerous calls. But in the schools, it’s the opposite. It’s about preventing those crises by building relationships.”

Her daily routine is far from predictable. One moment she’s teaching a lesson in a driver’s education class about Scott’s Law, and the next, she’s counseling students on how to make better decisions. “I’m not just here to enforce rules; I’m here to help guide these kids and keep them safe.”

A Community That Cares

Byron isn’t just another town for Emily—it’s a community that values connection, safety, and support. And for her, working with the Byron Police Department and the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office reinforces that commitment. “The local law enforcement agencies are phenomenal partners,” she says. “They’re always just a call away, whether it’s helping out with a school event or responding to an emergency. Chief Boehle and his team at Byron PD have been an incredible support system.”

Emily sees firsthand how the Byron community rallies around its own in times of need. Whether it’s fundraising for a student facing medical challenges or supporting a family in the aftermath of tragedy, the people of Byron show up for one another. “It’s not just the schools— it’s the whole community,” she says. “That’s what makes this place special.”

Looking Ahead

As Emily looks forward to the next chapter of her career, potentially moving into a detective role, she reflects on the lasting impact of her time as an SRO. “I may be transitioning out of the school soon, but the relationships I’ve built and the trust I’ve earned will stay with me. I’ll always be a part of this community, and I know that the students and staff I’ve worked with will continue to make Byron proud.”

For Deputy Emily Hardesty, being a School Resource Officer is about more than enforcing the law—it’s about shaping futures and strengthening the bonds that make Byron Schools a beacon of pride.