How INSROA and Wabash SRO Sam Hipskind are Advancing Statewide School Safety

At Wabash City Schools, we pride ourselves on being a leading district, especially when it comes to student safety. Having a safe environment in our own hallways is our top priority, but it is also a privilege to see our district play a part in shaping safety policies that protect students across the entire state of Indiana.

This collaborative leadership was on full display recently at the Statehouse. Officer R. Sam Hipskind—who has served with the Wabash Police Department since 1996 and as our trusted SRO since 2013—recently joined state leaders in his role as President of the Indiana School Resource Officers Association (INSROA) for a momentous ceremonial bill-signing with Governor Mike Braun.

Closing the "Imitation Firearm" Loophole

The event celebrated the passage of House Bill 1343. While the bill covers multiple public safety initiatives, INSROA successfully lobbied and pushed for a critical new provision regarding imitation firearms on school grounds.

Previously, realistic-looking toy, replica, or airsoft guns created dangerous gray areas for school security. The new legislation provides clear, firm boundaries for school safety professionals:

The Law: It is now a Class B misdemeanor for any person to knowingly or intentionally possess an imitation firearm inside or on school property, or on a school bus.

Teamwork for a Safer Indiana

True to INSROA’s mission, this legislative victory was the result of massive teamwork, dedication, and a shared vision among safety professionals statewide. Following the bill signing, INSROA released the following statement:

"The Indiana School Resource Officers Association was proud to stand alongside Indiana leaders at the recent bill signing with Governor Mike Braun as another major step was taken to strengthen school safety across the State of Indiana. INSROA President and WHMS SRO Sam Hipskind, along with INSROA Executive Board Member and Training Director Chief Terance Smith of Decatur Township Schools, were honored to represent school resource officers and school safety professionals committed to protecting Indiana’s students and staff every day.

This legislation reinforces Indiana’s commitment to remaining a national leader in school safety and highlights the importance of collaboration between educators, law enforcement, legislators, and community leaders.

A special thank you goes to Trevor Vance and Chris Mitchem for their continued dedication, leadership, and advocacy in advancing school safety initiatives across Indiana."

Bringing Best Practices Home to Wabash

Officer Hipskind’s involvement with INSROA’s leadership—backed by his credentials as a Master Level SRO and National Practitioner—ensures that Wabash City Schools remains at the forefront of modern safety practices.

"Officer Hipskind’s dedication and leadership reflect the highest standards of service in school safety," said Superintendent Dr. Amy Sivley. "We are proud of the positive impact he has made here in Wabash and now across the entire state through INSROA."

Please join us in thanking Officer Sam, Chief Terance Smith, and the entire INSROA organization for their tireless teamwork. We are incredibly grateful for their dedication to keeping Hoosier students safe, secure, and ready to learn!