ORANGE PARK – A Clay County School District Police Officer noticed a local educational support organization in need so he got busy gathering items and friends.

Community Partnership Schools was trying to turn a classroom portable into a community center for students, but they were about $1,000 short. Rob Troxel was 27½ -year veteran of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office before joining CCSDPD. He’s based in Orange Park High.

The organization is there for low-income students in need, whether it is food, toiletries or setting up medical appointments. Troxel, an OPHS graduate, said he used to be one of those students.

“Some may be embarrassed to get items. Kids can get made fun of, or that kind of thing,” he said. “I say, don’t feel bad. There’s an opportunity there for you to get the services.”

His mind then turned to his 20-plus years working sporting and charity events in Jacksonville.

Troxel had signed merchandise from the likes of Jacksonville Jaguars Hall of Fame left tackle Tony Boselli and a ball signed by former Jaguars running back Fred Taylor and receiver Keenan McCardell. Troxel also sold a bat signed by famous pitcher Roger Clemens and others and memorabilia signed by former Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Michael Clayton.

“I had a lot of autographed stuff. I worked security at the stadium for 20 years,” Troxel said. “CPS has a box to give kids stuff they need at the front of the school. They take care of them. I thought, ‘If I can do something to help them out, I will.’”

The $1,000 they needed was soon in the form of a check. Troxel thanked employees at Local’s Pub on Wells Road for assisting him and leading to more donations.

Community Partnership School Director Lauren Pfanenstiel said Troxel cares about the school and that the school is grateful for his efforts.

"It made sense why he would take it on to help us with this vision of renovating an old portable turned into a unique space for students and (the) community. As an alumnus and a life-long Raider he is a legacy-maker," Pfanenstiel said. “I am looking forward to bringing students and other OP alumni together in this space, 'The Backyard,' for workshops, family fun nights, medical visits and mentorship.”

Longtime law enforcement officers like Troxel have seen a lot, and they try to pass lessons to the next generation of students. Troxel said he was clear about becoming a school resource officer after retirement and the goal was to help students using his experiences rather than “play policeman.”

Students make choices about how they conduct themselves and who they associate with, he said. Troxel referenced a 2018 Jacksonville shooting where three teenagers were killed outside of a gas station in a shooting. Two of the men were from Orange Park.

“My goal is not to play policeman towards these kids. Just make good choices. I’ll talk to several kids a day, like ‘Hey, how was your weekend?’” Troxel said. “If I wanted to come back, I wanted to come back as an SRO.”