Rasmussen returns to Wildcat Nation as temporary SRO replacement
Following a physical injury experienced by School Resource Officer (SRO) Angel Nunez, West has welcomed a new staff member in uniform and badge. West alumni Tanner Rasmussen has returned to his former high school, this time as a member of the police department.
According to Rasmussen, Nunez’s condition could prevent him from returning to his position as an SRO for a lengthy amount of time.
“Officer Nunez hurt himself. It wasn’t in the line of duty, but it’s a fairly significant injury and he is in physical therapy,” he said. “He is hoping to be back at the end of spring break, but that might not be the case; it could be a little longer.”
Despite the unfortunate situation, Rasmussen was delighted to become the temporary resource officer at West.
“I wanted to be posted here. I was originally placed at Tipler instead, which is fine, but this was my school from 2006 to 2010,” he said. “I had a good time here.”
After graduating, Rasmussen joined the Oshkosh police force as an officer, which became his occupation for nearly a decade.
“This is my eighth year being a police officer. I’m a crisis negotiator, so I go up to things such as S.W.A.T calls,” he said. “I’m also on the Honor Guard team and the mobile field force.”
It was only recently that Rasmussen decided to pursue the role of resource officer.
“To become an SRO, you have to volunteer. It’s not something you are assigned. Then, you have to go through a hiring process to get the position,” he said. “This is my first year as an SRO, but I just had my firstborn child, so I’ve really only been at the job for three or four months.”
Rasmussen appreciates the positive environment and experiences that come with this position.
“It’s a change of pace, and it’s nice being able to interact with kids,” he said. “If there’s a call for a police response, you’re probably going for something negative or to solve a problem. Obviously I’m here to problem-solve too, but I like that I can hang out with students and change up the scenery to something more fun.”
According to Rasmussen, his experience as a Wildcat contributed to his inclination to return.
“I loved being at West. During high school, I made some mistakes and had some disciplines, but I had a great time here overall,” he said. “Some people say these are the best days of your life, and in the moment you probably don’t think that, but it’s true to some degree. I certainly do miss it.”
Though Rasmussen is looking forward to upcoming events in the building, he is most grateful to be working with the individuals that make West great.
“I’m looking forward to Diversity Day in April and other upcoming events here,” he said. “But the staff and the students are what make West’s environment really great. There are at least 10 staff members that taught me when I was here that I really enjoy seeing today,” he said. “They’re all amazing people, and in some way, shape, or form, they helped shape me and who I am.”
One can reach out to Officer Rasmussen via email or in person in the building.
“As far as how to contact me, I have a gmail account just like Officer Nunez,” he said. “I will be in Student Services during the day for anything that you feel I need to be involved with. It’s that simple, and I’ll make myself available to you.”
Rasmussen feels like he has come home.
“So far, I’m thoroughly enjoying it here,” he said. “Being here job-wise, I feel like I’m where I belong.”
by Phoebe Fletcher
Published March 17th, 2025
Oshkosh West Index Volume 121 Issue VI