The City of Piqua Police Department, in partnership with Piqua City Schools (PCS), is proud to announce the expansion of the school resource officer (SRO) program for the 2025–2026 school year. Each school building in the district will now have a dedicated SRO.

The expanded program reflects the City and school district’s shared priority of creating safe, supportive environments for learning.

“Piqua is a community that values the safety and well-being of our students above all else,” PCS Superintendent Dwayne Thompson said. “The addition of new school resource officers is a crucial step in ensuring that our schools remain a secure and positive place for the best learning environment. We have a great partnership with the Piqua Police Department, and I am confident that these officers will be strong mentors, educators and trusted members of our school family. We are fortunate to have a great resource such as this in our community and district.”

The SROs will provide safety and security while working alongside teachers, staff and families to build trust and foster a strong sense of community within each building.

Piqua Police Chief Rick Byron emphasized the City’s dedication to supporting families and schools.

“The expansion of the SRO program is about more than safety — it’s about partnership,” he said. “These officers are an example of the Piqua Police Department’s commitment to community policing, ensuring that every student has daily access to a trusted and approachable mentor.”

The City of Piqua Police Department and Piqua City Schools are proud to introduce the five officers who will serve as mentors, educators and protectors in each school.

Meet the Officers

Officer Joshua May — Springcreek Primary School

Officer May has been with the Piqua Police Department for 10 years, serving as a patrol officer, field training officer and member of the Tactical Response Team. Prior to his police career, he served four and a half years in the U.S. Army with two combat tours. A native of Piqua who grew up in Fletcher, May now lives in Troy with his wife of 15 years, Jessica, and their three sons and two daughters.

“Ever since my military service, I have always been interested in helping others,” Officer May said. “I also have enjoyed training new officers. I’m excited and looking forward to serving as the SRO for Springcreek!”

Officer Timothy Bragg — Washington Primary School

Officer Bragg joined the Piqua Police Department in 2023 after serving eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a military police officer. A Piqua native, he still calls the community home. He credits his parents, Timothy R. and Tonya Bragg, and his sisters, Shayna Bragg, Kaylee Pierce, and Karley Lacy, as lifelong inspirations.

“I’m passionate about being a public servant and that’s a big part of my enjoyment with police work,” Officer Bragg said. “I am looking forward to being a great role model for the kids and getting to know their families.”

Officer Sean Stein — Piqua Central Intermediate School

Officer Stein has served with the City of Piqua Police Department for nearly 20 years. His experience includes roles as a patrol investigator, hostage negotiator, evidence technician and homeless liaison. Originally from Piqua, he grew up in Kettering and now proudly serves in his hometown. He is father to Lincoln, 8, and Amelia, 6, and stepfather to Abby, 18.

“The majority of the time in police work, we encounter people during their lows and when they are going through a rough patch in their lives,” Officer Stein said. “As an SRO, we are around kids without the negativity most of the time and can show them we are people just like them. I most enjoy seeing people succeed through adversity and getting their lives back on track.”

Officer Zachary Smith — Piqua Junior High School

Officer Smith joined the Piqua Police Department in 2023 and has 13 years of law enforcement experience, including service on the Tactical Response Team. A Piqua native and 2009 graduate of Piqua City Schools, Smith lives in his hometown with his wife and two children.

“I take pride in serving my community, especially in the schools that shaped who I am today,” Officer Smith said. “Being an SRO allows me to give back by building relationships with students, guiding them through challenges and showing them that law enforcement is here to support their success.” 

Officer Connor Armstrong — Piqua High School

Officer Armstrong joined the Piqua Police Department in 2023, and has a total of seven years of law enforcement experience. He previously served with the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office and the University of Dayton Police Department. Armstrong holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychology from Bowling Green State University and completed training at the Apollo Police Academy. Originally from Sidney, he now lives in Piqua with his wife.

“My passions in my job are community engagement and teaching,” Officer Armstrong said. “I am a RAD self-defense program instructor, and being an SRO has been my career goal.”