The North Allegheny Communications Department will feature each of the NAPD officers who patrol the district's schools during the 2024–25 school year. This Q&A session is with Officer Heather Bristow, who patrols the campus of McKnight Elementary. Enjoy!
Q: What inspired you to become a police officer?
A: My neighbor was a police officer. He was always friendly and spent time talking with me.
A: My neighbor was a police officer. He was always friendly and spent time talking with me.
Q: What's your favorite thing about being an officer at NAI?
A: The kids are amazing. I love talking with them. The staff are friendly and made me feel very welcome at McKnight.
A: The kids are amazing. I love talking with them. The staff are friendly and made me feel very welcome at McKnight.
Q: What was your favorite class/subject in school?
A: Gym and Library.
A: Gym and Library.
Q: What school did you attend? (Favorite Teacher?)
A: Keystone Oaks. My favorite teacher was Mrs. Livingston, our gym teacher. She always had a smile on her face and encouraging words for us.
A: Keystone Oaks. My favorite teacher was Mrs. Livingston, our gym teacher. She always had a smile on her face and encouraging words for us.
Q: What was your favorite food to eat at school lunch?
A: Frozen orange drink and the pinwheel with mashed potatoes and gravy.
A: Frozen orange drink and the pinwheel with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Q: Did you play a sport or participate in extracurricular activities while in school?
A: I participated in basketball, track, dance, gymnastics, and volleyball.
A: I participated in basketball, track, dance, gymnastics, and volleyball.
Q: What do you like to do for fun when you're not at work?
A: I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, yoga, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
A: I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, yoga, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
Q: Do you have any pets? Have you worked with a K-9 officer before?
A: At the moment, I do not have any pets, but I hope to get a dog this summer.
A: At the moment, I do not have any pets, but I hope to get a dog this summer.
Q: What's the most important thing you want students to know about safety?
A: There are so many things, but at school, I would say to follow the teachers' and staff's directions during an emergency. If you see something that doesn't seem right, let a teacher, staff member, or officer know.
A: There are so many things, but at school, I would say to follow the teachers' and staff's directions during an emergency. If you see something that doesn't seem right, let a teacher, staff member, or officer know.
Q: What's your favorite way to connect with students at NAI?
A: I try to attend part of lunch and recess every day. I love interacting with the kids on the playground and then talking about things going on in their lives during lunch.
A: I try to attend part of lunch and recess every day. I love interacting with the kids on the playground and then talking about things going on in their lives during lunch.
