From left, Lynnhaven Middle School SRO Dedria Bynam, Moran’s supervisor Sgt. Greg O’Hara, Cox junior Andrew Lupien, Moran and his children Faith, Bridget, Andrew and Lia Moran, retired police officer Amy Bierman, School Security Officer Jamie LaClaire and principal Dr. Michael Kelly.
Christopher Moran was suddenly summoned to the Cox High School auditorium because of an “altercation.”
The School Resource Officer(SRO) soon realized something else was up as he watched math teachers Sean Duffy and David Mackey enthusiastically compete in an onstage dance battle to the Michael Jackson song “Beat It.”
The “Dude. Be Nice.” project was in the house Feb. 12 during Virginia Kindness Week.
Founder Brent Camalich informed Moran and the students — who thought the assembly was about an upcoming leadership workshop — of the ruse.
“There’s no altercation,” he said. “Just a celebration.”
“We celebrate people who are doing positive things in their community,” Camalich explained. And that person was Officer Moran.
Members of the school’s leadership workshop helped plan the surprise event.
The jazz band played, the Coquettes dance team performed, and Moran was escorted to the stage where a makeshift throne awaited.
Several people spoke about him, including retired Virginia Beach police officer Amy Bierman, who worked with Moran for about 10 years and nominated him for the recognition.
She praised her former colleague’s sense of humor and sense of duty.
“He’s respected here and has a great relationship with the kids,” she said.
Cox High junior Andrew Lupien thanked Moran for always being there for him, especially after his mother passed away.
“During a time of grief and uncertainty, you reminded me I was not alone,” he told him.
“Thank you for helping me during a tough time in my life.”
Andrew presented Moran with a legacy ring from Herff Jones, a Cox Falcons jersey and several gift cards.
Andrew, Faith, Lia and Bridget Moran also attended the event that honored their father.
“He forms connections with kids,” Lia said. “They rely on him a lot and go to him for advice.”
Moran’s supervisor Sgt. Greg O’Hara praised the SRO for his ability to relate to students.
“He makes sure trust, respect and kindness prevail and strives to lead by example.”
Moran said he was humbled by the recognition.
He has been in law enforcement for more than 30 years, including 10 as a New York City police officer. In fact, he was one of the first responders during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
In 2002, he joined the Virginia Beach Police Department and has been the Cox High SRO for five years.
What does he love about his job? “The interaction with the kids, by all means,” Moran said.
All situations are different, he said. “You have to have patience and leave the door open for them to talk to you.”
“The world needs more Officer Morans,” Camalich said.
“We need more people showing up for young people in the world.”
“Dude. Be Nice.” – Founder Brent Camalich is a former television producer who said he was tired of reporting bad news and wanted to focus on the good. His apparel company “Dude. Be Nice” produces a video series that highlights a community as it orchestrates and celebrates an amazing and unsuspecting person or group. To watch, visit www.dudebenice.com.
