Tonawanda CSD School Resource Officer Jason Balling shared his gratitude as he was named Police Officer of the Year by the Exchange Club of the Tonawandas and the Kiwanis Club of the Tonawandas and a “one-of-a-kind” part of the school community.
“It’s great to get recognized as officer of the year, especially when you work with 31 other sensational officers that work hard,” Balling said. “I love Tonawanda and want to make Tonawanda the safest place to live.”
Since 2010, Balling has served as a City of Tonawanda police officer, with 11 of those years as an SRO in our district. Prior to joining the department, Balling served in the U.S. Army and worked as a mail carrier, accountant and factory employee at American Brass.
Colleagues say Balling truly found his calling in law enforcement, quickly establishing himself as a trustworthy and honest professional. That reputation has helped him thrive as an SRO, where students, parents and staff view him as an approachable member of the school community.
“The best part of my job is the day-to-day interactions I have with the students,” Balling said. He loves seeing former students and hearing their success stories. Many credit Balling with helping them turn their lives around after getting into trouble.
“Officer Balling has fully embraced his role as a School Resource Officer,” said City of Tonawanda Police Chief Robert Clontz. “Throughout his decade of working in the schools, Officer Balling has devoted his career to serving the youths in our community and building professional and personal relationships.”
Chief Clontz was part of the group that selected Balling for the honor. He said that being a School Resource Officer is a critical role that requires a dedicated officer. “Officer Balling has made a tremendous impact on the student population and built countless positive relationships due to his selfless commitment to serving others,” Clontz said.
Balling’s work doesn’t go unnoticed by students and families. Ed Wittman, who has known Balling and his family for many years, praised his character.
“He is an outstanding guy,” Wittman said. “Very level-headed.”
Wittman said Balling’s positive influence inspired his grandson, Marcell, to join the police academy.
“Jason actually got him into the academy they do every summer,” Wittman said. “From that time on, he’s wanted to be a police officer, always wanted to be a State Trooper. He is in the academy right now for it."
Rick Oates, a father of seven Tonawanda students, also praised Balling for his work in the district.
“The many years of his life invested into the safety, care and well-being of our kids through his presence, oversight, wisdom, courage and leadership shows it’s been a calling in Officer Balling’s life, not just a job,” Oates said.
Oates recalled a time when one of his children wandered blocks away from home and ended up at the high school. Balling immediately recognized the child and got him home safely.
Balling is a mainstay at school events, including proms, TNT motorcades, turkey trots and countless after-hours activities.
“Jason is an integral part of the district,” said Tonawanda Elementary School Principal Rob Ross. “He is here to help and support all students, families and staff. Jason is one-of-a-kind.”
Beyond his daily duties, Balling supervises the Youth Court Program, Junior Police Academy, D.A.R.E. instruction, Juvenile Fingerprinting Program and organizes National Night Out. He also covers special events, assists with patrol shifts and supports departmental projects.
His law enforcement colleagues also asked for one more task be added to his extensive duties: “The department would really appreciate if Officer Balling could help the Buffalo Bills get things figured out on offense.”