School spirit is a big part of high school. And at Fairfield Warde and Fairfield Ludlowe, that pride goes beyond students and staff to the school resource officers.

The SRO at each arrived on campus Monday in a new police car now emblazoned with the school’s mascot—the Ludlowe Falcons or the Warde Mustangs.

“Their mascot is cool, but I think ours is a little cooler,” laughed Officer Chanse Wilkie, who’s in his sixth year as Warde’s SRO. “The red and the black goes well. It's awesome. I love it.”

Wilkie is one of seven officers in the Fairfield Police Department’s school safety division, which is overseen by Lt. Michael Stahl. Stahl told News 12 that one SRO is stationed at each high school with the remaining rotating among the town’s 15 other public schools.

“What's great about Fairfield is that we have a presence in our schools from the elementary level all the way up through the high schools. We introduce our students to these police officers, show them as a member of their environment,” Stahl explained. “And when they get to high school, high school resource officers are really embedded in the school itself, in the community. And they're not just a resource anymore. They’re a mentor. They're a friend. They're someone who comes to sporting events and different types of activities on campus.”

Warde’s principal echoed that regarding Wilkie.

“It's just great from a safety perspective obviously, but it’s also great just to have such a good role model and a good member of our community,” said Warde Principal Paul Cavanna. “I really think we’re fortunate to have the safety division and just such a great relationship with them.”

Ludlowe’s principal agreed.

“I'm really proud of the fact that Fairfield has always had SROs in their high schools for well over a decade. It's been something that was a priority in this town, and it's been so helpful at the high school level,” added Ludlowe Principal Greg Hatzis.

Stahl said Fairfield certainly isn’t the first to wrap its SRO cars in school colors and mascots, but it was something the department wanted to do to show off their officers’ school spirit.

“Having the cars so visibly linked to the school with the amazing logo that's on it is just a really great thing,” Hatzis told News 12. “There's a real buzz around it. We have people asking all around school, ‘Have you seen the new police car yet? ‘”

“A lot of the students have been looking at it, taking pictures. We've seen some social media posts from parents online with a positive reaction, showing support,” Stahl added.

“I think it's awesome,” Cavanna stated. “The kids love it. And it just fits in with the setting we want to establish here of pride in our school.” “I'm proud to represent,” said Wilkie. “So, go Warde!”