The Hastings Police Department and Hastings Area Schools is announcing that the police department is providing the school liaison officer for the schools this school year, Hastings Police Chief Jeff Pratt said. Sgt. Kris Miller will be school liaison and will be assisted at times throughout the year by Officer Kendra Backing.

Miller will be performing the school liaison duties one day a week at Hastings area schools. He is already well known by many Hastings children though his work in community policing, Pratt said.

“Our department and the schools have a history of cooperation, and as we start the new school year, we look forward to the continued excellent partnership to enhance relationships with students and parents of the school district,” he said.

Photos: (top) Hastings Police Officer Kris Miller.

(bottom) HPD’s Kris Miller, a kid-friendly officer, poses with a few of his fans.