Summer break is nearing its end as teachers, students and faculty are set to return to campus. While some are enjoying their final days of leisure, Tempe PD’s Amy Pfeifer is itching to get back to work at Marcos de Niza High School.
Detective Pfeifer is the Padre’s school resource officer, but she isn’t just an on campus police officer. She’s a mother, a role model and friend for students and, most importantly, a beacon of light to those at Marcos.
For her commitment to the Padres, Pfeifer was named 2024 Arizona School Resource Officer of the Year. The award, given to one out of 400 SROs in the state, is earned by displaying “outstanding leadership, empathy, and proactive engagement in fostering positive relationships with students while ensuring the security of educational environments,” as stated on the Arizona School Resource Officers Association website.
“The SRO of the year exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and serves as an invaluable partner in promoting a safe and nurturing atmosphere conducive to learning and growth.”
To Pfeifer, she is just doing what she loves. She entered the police force as a way to give back to the community, and she says her role as a mother has better helped her foster the soft parental touch that she believes makes an impact on the kids she oversees.
“I was surprised because it’s one of those things that I don’t even look at as, you know, it’s your job,” Pfeifer says. “I kind of look at it as this is my heart.”
SRO Sergeant Joey Brudnock said Pfeifer’s recognition is an unbelievable honor for the department. “She cares, and everything about her is empathy and compassion,” Brudnock said. “She pours her heart and soul in this place [Marcos]. I think the bond that she makes with these kids shows that they care about her deeply; they don’t want to do anything [to disappoint her].”
Charles Cobbs, director of the school district’s safety program, wanted to echo his excitement for Pfeifer. “It’s just an amazing accomplishment for an amazing person—not just an amazing SRO, but an amazing human being,” he said.
Those who know Pfeifer say she was meant for the job and Marcos. She embraces the diversity of the Padres community and the determination of its students, some of whom face adversity outside of school.
“We have kids that take city buses for an hour or two just to come to school every day,” she said. “We have kids that go to school full time and work full time to help support their families. “Our kids are resilient, our kids are loving, our kids are kind. From a school safety perspective, learning something and having that positive interaction with a police officer (helps), but I feel like I have benefited greatly just from having the opportunity and being blessed to be on this campus.”
Pfeifer said she has learned more from the kids than they may realize, having three daughters of her own. Her youngest, Grace, has also raised her awareness. When Pfeifer was 10 weeks pregnant with Grace, she found out the newborn would likely have to deal with Down syndrome, she said. Though it was a challenging time, her husband, along with Sgt. Brudnock and the police department were incredibly supportive. Now a fierce advocate for inclusion, she says her role has helped her better communicate and bond with everyone.
Pfeifer recalled a recent Marcos graduate, Gabby, who was nonverbal. However, when Pfeifer stepped in the room, Gabby lit up and would scream and clap, she says. Gabby’s parents have even reached out to invite Pfeifer to her summer performances. Not only does she build impactful relationships with students on campus, but goes above and beyond to serve her community. She has taken students to Walmart for shoes, clothes and necessities and offers her office, located in the Marcos front office, as an inviting room for students to stop by and grab a snack, water or chat about their day.
Her relentless work ethic is driven by her passion for those at Marcos, the community and bettering how police are perceived through trust and genuine relationships.
“Truly, there is absolutely nowhere else I’d rather be than Marcos.” Pfeifer says.
