Penn State University Police Officer April Martin, who works at the Beaver campus, recently was given the Community Value Award for her work to bring a drug awareness program to the campus. Pictured from left are Interim Chancellor Carey McDougall, Sgt. Marque Wiese, Martin, Deputy Chief Anthony Budris, Associate Director of Student Affairs and Engagement Amy Gartley, Director of Student Affairs and Engagement Chris Rizzo, and Officer Bryan Cattivera.
MONACA — Penn State University Police Officer April Martin was recognized with the Community Values Award for her work to bring a drug awareness program to Penn State Beaver students.
The “One Pill Can Kill” program helps students be aware of the risk of taking non-prescription drugs and the dangers of fentanyl. The program was coordinated through University Police and the Office of Student Affairs and Engagement at Penn State Beaver.
“I started to learn more about fentanyl after losing my son Jordan in 2020,” Martin shared. “Our young people deal with a lot of pressures and may think about self-medicating with medications such as Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, Ativan, etc. It is important that they understand that ‘one pill can kill.’ The risk of street pills being laced with fentanyl is extremely high. I believe awareness is the best way to fight this epidemic to ensure that no more lives are lost.”
In addition to the drug awareness program, Martin has served as a panelist on several boards discussing various topics including women in law enforcement and the fentanyl crisis.
“Officer Martin has served the Penn State Beaver community with excellence since 2017,” Sgt. Marque Wiese, station commander at Beaver campus, said. “In her role here, she has gone above and beyond what her normal duties entail. She has been a leader in bringing the fentanyl crisis to light and has advocated for awareness. She also plans to continue to bring high quality programming to the campus.”
“I am grateful to have the support of the Penn State community and all of those who help me with this program,” Martin said of the award. “It’s an honor to know that we are making a difference and that our efforts are being recognized.”
Wiese said Martin “truly upholds all the Penn State core values and received this award for excelling at the community aspect of our core goals. She has worked collaboratively to bring about the betterment of the university and the communities we serve.”
“In her role here, (Martin) has gone above and beyond what her normal duties entail. She has been a leader in bringing the fentanyl crisis to light and has advocated for awareness."—Marque Wiese , University Police Sergeant, Beaver campus
