NEWINGTON, Conn. — When students at Newington High School walk past Officer Tim Buggee’s office, they see more than a badge. They see a mentor, a listener, and sometimes, even a friend.

Buggee has served as the school’s resource officer for three years. His main responsibility is safety. But he says the role requires more than being a first responder.

“You have to really care about them, like truly. You can’t pretend that,” Buggee said. “You have to do this job with your heart.”

One way he’s built those connections is by turning his office into a place where students feel welcome. He’s decorated his walls with student art and photos, which were given to him voluntarily. Some of those mementos carry powerful meaning, like the ID card of a student who died in a car crash.

“They want to b

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