Merced Union High School District

Merced Police Officer William Trevino doesn’t like the spotlight. He doesn’t seek attention. So he begrudgingly made his way to the front of the cafeteria when he was summoned by El Capitan High Associate Principal Adrian Hurtado on Friday afternoon. Trevino was recognized as the MUHSD Outstanding School Resource Officer for 2026. 

 

Trevino would have much rather been up flying a helicopter or teaching first aid than have a room full of people clapping for him. “I don’t like recognition,” Trevino said.” I’m just doing my job.”

 

It’s because Trevino does his job so well that he earned the recognition. In his three years working as an SRO at El Capitan he’s become part of the Gaucho family. While Trevino shies away from the spotlight, others are quick to offer his praise. “He supports students and staff daily, attends events, works collaboratively with administration, and genuinely cares about our school community,” said El Capitan principal Megan Cope-Campilongo. “He has helped strengthen positive relationships between students and law enforcement, and our campus is better because of him.  

 

Cope-Campilongo says it’s Trevino’s kind and calm demeanor that makes him approachable for students. The students and staff trust him and Trevino genuinely cares about students and staff. “Officer Trevino is deserving of SRO of the Year because he consistently goes above and beyond in supporting our students, staff and families,” said MUHSD Program Administrator II, Student Services Child Welfare, Attendance & Safety. “He is kind, approachable, and communicates effectively with both school administration and the CWA office. He is always willing to help when needed and follows through on tasks with professionalism and reliability. In addition, he takes the time to support and mentor new SROs, showing strong leadership and dedication to our schools. Officer Trevino is truly valuable asset to El Cap and all of the Merced schools.”

 

SROs play significant roles on our MUHSD campuses. They are responsible for campus safety and emergency response. They help prevent and respond to serious incidents and can also assist with safety planning, drills and can help communicate and coordinate with local law enforcement in case of emergencies.

 

“The partnership between the Merced Union High School District and agencies such as the Merced Police Department and Merced County Sheriff’s Office is extremely important to maintaining safe and supportive school environments,” said Cristi Johnson, MUHSD Assistant Superintendent Student Services. “These strong relationships help ensure that we receive high-quality SROs and SRDs who are not only focused on safety, but also on building positive relationships with students and staff. Our officers serve as mentors, trusted adults, and collaborative partners who help support student success, crisis response, and campus safety across MUHSD.”

 

Trevino is finishing up his third year working as the SRO at El Capitan and just found out he’ll be back for a fourth year next year. As a 2014 Merced High graduate, he was a little apprehensive about working across town, but he says it’s been great working with the administrators, staffs and students. “When I came here the admin embraced me from day one,” he said. “Cope embraced me from day one. It’s been amazing here ever since. “I love working with the kids, trying to be a positive role model for them. I had an officer I looked up to growing up. I wanted to make sure I carried that on. Ten percent of the time, I’m an actual police officer. Aside from that I’m a counselor, therapist, everything but a police officer.”

 

As for the award, plaque and recognition as the MUHSD SRO of the Year? Trevino finally gave in. “I genuinely do appreciate the recognition,” he said.

 

Shawn Jansen is the MUHSD Program Manager Digital Media. He can be reached at Sjansen@muhsd.org.