Princeton Elementary School District salutes Princeton Police Department

PRINCETON — As he prepares to retire after 16 years as Princeton Elementary School Superintendent, Tim Smith has desired to express his gratitude for friends of the district, a Hall of Fame of sorts.

The reason, he said, is to honor the “people that have been critical to my success and supportive of my leadership here at Princeton Elementary.”

With more COVID-19 restrictions lifting, Smith brought in Princeton Police Chief Tom Kammerer and Officer Rob Jensen at Monday’s PES Board meeting for a show of appreciation.

Jensen served as the DARE officer for PES for 22 years before moving back on patrol. Smith said Jensen will always be highly regarded in the district.

“We love Rob at Princeton Elementary. He will always be an honorary staff member here. Our kids adored him. Our staff respected him greatly,” he said.

Smith thanked Jensen personally for his help when he was principal at Lincoln School for nine years

“You were an incredible support to me and I know these past 16 years, my principals have the very same experience as were our students. Your DARE graduations were unbelievably formal. They were exceptional and you always put in that extra effort to recognize the kids,” he said.

Kammerer was also recognized for his support for the PES district during his three years as chief.

“Our relationship to the PPD is exceptional. His men and women are incredibly supportive,” Smith said. “If you drive around any of our schools before school or after school, you better behave, because they are watching us very closely. That means a great deal. I know they have us protected and our best interest.”

PES Board President Steve Bouslog thanked Kammerer for increasing the police presence at their schools and presented him with mementos of appreciation for each officer on the force.