There is a new sheriff in town at Milford High School…actually he’s a deputy: Oakland County Police officer Eric Delanoy, who is returning after four years away. Delanoy, a Milford graduate, was the MHS school resource officer from 2013-2021.
Now, he is back for the 2025-26 school year, and has lots to share. He has worked in law enforcement for 25 years and has worked many positions including in a jail.
This makes you wonder, with all these different experiences and opportunities, why come back to work at Milford High School? He says his previous experience here drew him back, and stated, “I think working with the staff and the students is more rewarding than doing regular police work.”
There are many different kinds of situations Delanoy handles as a resource officer, some harder than others. “I think the best way to handle tough situations with students is to show them that you’re disappointed and put yourself in their shoes,” he said.
He mentioned how he was a
former student at Milford so he remembers what it’s like to be that age, and really emphasizes the importance of building a good relationship with students and how it is very important for dealing with difficult circumstances.
You may be wondering, what is a school resource officer’s job? Principal of Milford High School, Kevin McKenna says he provides that sense of “safety and security” for our staff and students, and how he can be used for guidance in certain situations.
McKenna also mentions how it is not the teachers job to have to worry about outside threats or problems, so we have Delanoy who has police experience to deal with things of that nature, and that, “Police officers look at things differently. That’s what they’re trained for.” With a different perspective
than most staff here at Milford, Delanoy is able to keep our school protected, allowing a better learning experience for students and makes it easier for teachers to educate them. Delanoy shares his favorite part of his job as a school resource officer is seeing the students grow and mature as time passes. People change so much from freshman year to when they graduate; Delanoy expresses how exciting it can be to see that process and be a part of it, and he has some advice for how to succeed as a high school student.
His first tip is to get involved in all different kinds of classes; it will help students figure out what they enjoy doing and help them decide what they would like to do in the future. He talks about how he was introduced to law enforcement through the government and law classes he took here at Milford, and those classes were what got him interested in police work.
His last tip is: “Don’t do anything that’s going to screw up your four years here at high school and your high school career.” He says don’t be afraid to bring situations to administration, and really think through your decisions; what you do now will affect your future more than you would think. Although you wouldn’t want to end up in Delanoy’s office, don’t be afraid to seek him out and build a good relationship with him. McKenna says,
“He’s a very approachable person. Yes, he’s got a badge, yes, he’s got a gun. But at the end of the day, he’s a father, he’s a husband, he’s a community member… he’s a person.” McKenna emphasizes not to fear Delanoy, and that, “he’s a resource and that’s what people need to focus on.”
For example, if you get a speeding ticket and don’t know what to do, Delanoy will know exactly how to help. Whether you know him well by now or haven’t spoken to him yet, he is an amazing addition to Milford High School and is usually found around the Commons area, so come and say hi!