Bridge Street and Triadelphia middle schools have new prevention resource officers who share similar stories on how they arrived in their roles.
Wheeling Police Department Cpl. Jason Chambers is serving in his first year as Triadelphia’s resource officer, while Wheeling Pfc. Cody Schwertfeger is in his first year as a PRO at Bridge Street. Chambers and Schwertfeger know each other, and they have worked together on patrol. In fact, Chambers was Schwertfeger’s field training officer.
“He (Chambers) taught me a lot,” Schwertfeger said. “He’s also a great guy.”
Chambers has served 12 years as a Wheeling police officer. However, his service at Triadelphia isn’t his first stint as a PRO. He previously served three years as the PRO at Warwood School. In addition to his work as Triadelphia’s PRO, he is also the school’s volleyball and girls’ basketball coach. Chambers also coaches track at Wheeling Park High School.
Schwertfeger has been a Wheeling Police Officer for five years. Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger is his cousin. Schwerfeger said he’s enjoyed his time as a member of the Wheeling Police Department, but a career in law enforcement wasn’t his original plan.
“I went to West Liberty (University) to be a teacher,” he said. “I didn’t lose the desire to become a teacher, I just began to think that a career in law enforcement would be exciting. I’ve always wanted to help young people.”
Educators After All
Chambers also initially intended to become an educator, before pursuing a career in law enforcement.
“I have my teaching degree from West Liberty, and I’m still licensed to teach science, health and physical education,” he said. “I’ve loved being a police officer, and being a PRO is great blend of teaching and law enforcement. I get to help to educate them, and I also get to be a role model.”
Schwertfeger said the students and staff at Bridge Street have made him feel welcome at the school. He said he’s enjoyed working there.
“It’s great,” Schwertfeger said. “I love the students, I love the staff, and I love the school. I want to be involved in the kids’ lives, and help them the best I can. That’s the best.”
Chambers has been a member of the Wheeling Police Department SWAT team for 10 years. He said that training makes him confident in his ability to respond to any situation that could take place at Triadelphia Middle School. Like Schwertfeger, Chambers said doing what’s best for the students is something he takes very seriously. He said he truly enjoys his work as a PRO at Triadelphia Middle School.
“I get to know the kids, and I get to help them,” Chambers said. “As a PRO, you’re a mentor, and (Ohio County Schools) PROs are well prepared to help them. I’ve loved to coach here and at the high school, too. I love to see the kids develop, come together as a unit and become a team.”
