Thank You, Officer Austin

Abhijith Chitrala ('26)

Lieutenant Colonel Steven Austin, or for all students at Lawrence High School, Officer Austin is more than just a school resource officer. He is a role model, mentor, and friend for staff and students alike. Known affectionately as the “Snack Cop,” Officer Austin has spent the last 4 years at LHS ensuring safety, building trust, and creating meaningful relationships with students and staff. With his deployment to the Middle East as part of the U.S. National Guard, LHS took a moment to reflect on the profound impact and extraordinary service Officer Austin has made both in and out of uniform within our community.

Before joining the LHS family, Officer Austin served as a patrolman with the Lawrence Township Police Department for 6 years. “I did a lot of night shift and day shift,” he recalled. “Typical patrol duties - answering calls, traffic stops, responding to businesses and residences.” Although he initially interviewed for a juvenile detective position, fate had other plans. “The chief asked me if I’d like to be the School Resource Officer - and I said absolutely.”

Since accepting the position, Officer Austin has been a steady presence in the LHS family, known for his warmth, energy, and snacks he keeps on hand for students. “I heard my nickname is ‘Snack Cop’ - that’s awesome,” he laughed, “Just being here every day, showing up, preaching safety, encouraging everyone to be their best - I love it”. Officer Austin carried out this mission with dedication, whether it be by mentoring seniors preparing for life after high school, engaging in games and activities in the gym, or simply being present in the cafeteria, which he called his “unofficial classroom.” Officer Austin has also been a cornerstone of LHS initiatives such as Project Prom’s DUI and distracted-driving prevention program, making sure students are making smart and safe choices.

However Officer Austin’s military journey is equally, if not more, inspiring. Having served in the U.S. military for 2 decades total - 10 years on active duty and 10 years with the National Guard. His journey started as a Christopher Newport University graduate, where he was commissioned in 2004 as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps. He has since served in numerous leadership roles, including platoon leader, executive officer, company commander, and battalion commander. His decorated career includes multiple deployments in support of Operation Iraqi freedom, and he currently commands the 117th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion in the NJ Army National Guard.

“The difference between active duty and the National Guard is that one is federal and the other is state-based,” Officer Austin explained. “It wasn’t a choice to get deployed - it was just our time. But to be able to serve not only my township but also protect the American way of life is truly an honor.”

When asked what he’ll miss most, Officer Austin didn’t hesitate, immediately replying, “Just being here every day - around the students, the faculty, the energy. Lawrence High School is a special, special place. That’s why they call it Cardinal Nation”.

On April 11th, Lawrence High School gave a heartfelt send-off to Officer Austin in a school wide clap out that captured just how special his presence was within LHS. At 1:40 pm the marching band drumline led him through the hallways lined with cheering students, handmade signs, and waving faculty. The celebration ended with a powerful salute from local first responders as Austin exited the school - an emotional tribute to a man whose unwavering service has left an undeniable mark on the Cardinal Nation.

“Officer Austin is well known for the great connections he’s made with our students, their families, faculty, and staff,” said Principal Dr. Adam. “We will miss him tremendously, but we are extremely proud of him and his unwavering service to our country and the greater Lawrence Township community”. Assistant Principal Dr. Williams echoed those sentiments: “This is our way of showing Officer Austin how deeply appreciated and respected he is. His presence has made a lasting impact on our school”.

Thank you for your service, Officer Austin. You will always be a part of the Cardinal Nation. We will miss you - and we’ll keep it 25 mph on Princeton Pike, just like you taught us. Come home safe.

LHS makes sure Officer Austin knows the overwhelming gratitude, support, and well wishes they have for him!