Although police officers are being criticized for virtually everything they do in today’s world, the majority of these men and women work hard to keep people safe. They take action to prevent crimes, provide assistance to anyone in need, come to the rescue of animals, arrest criminals, and build rapport within their communities.
School resource officers
Another thing they do is serve as school resource officers. There, they oversee daily on-campus activities with the goal of protecting every child and faculty member from harm. Especially with so many school shootings, this job is invaluable.
Getting to know students
Most resource officers are chosen because they have an uncanny ability to connect with people, primarily kids. Yes, they’re still police but they don’t judge and many of them use humor as a way of connecting with students. These officers are compassionate, fair, and always willing to lend a hand.
A big impression
One such officer did just that while working at Heritage High School in Brentwood, California. Along with his normal duties, this guy became somewhat of a father figure to a lot of kids. He mentored and encourage them to always do their best.
Officer Mitch
That’s what the students call him. Considering he’s big in stature, some people feel a little intimated by him at first. But once they have a conversation, their opinion completely changes. They realize this is a great man who genuinely cares about the people at this school and those within the community of Brentwood.
Two promises
When this man began working as a police officer, he made two promises to himself. First, he never wanted to be a jerk, even in the worst situations. Second…to never get fat. He wanted to always be in the best physical shape possible. He’s kept both of those promises.
“There’s always a good side to somebody”
That’s this officer’s philosophy. He proved that with one student who struggled with anger issues. Rather than just “preach” to him, Officer Mitch took a different route. He began to lift weights with the student, showing him an effective way to release some of his pent-up anger.
A bogus story
A female student named Sienna was going to be called into the principal’s office. It started with Officer Mitch being brought in as well to watch a video. As he and the principal walk side by side, she informs him this has to do with a disturbing video posted by Sienna from a party she attended.
The setup
Once in the office, the principal begins to speak while Officer Mitch listens and Sienna cries. After much anticipation, the video is played. But instead of something bad, it consisted of students thanking this officer for all the incredible things he’s done.
Touched and honored
As Officer Mitch listens to one story after another about how he’s helped students and changed lives, you can see emotion pouring over him. But you know, he’s a cop so he can’t cry…right? We’ll never know because he puts on his dark sunglasses.
More to come
But the student who spearheaded this explained to Officer Mitch there was more than just the video. That’s when he was led outside of the school. There, he was met by hundreds of students, all eager to thank him. They laughed, cried, and even showered him with a white coat and bright yellow boa.
Although this video was taken several years ago, it’s a great reminder to people everywhere that not only are police officers humans like everyone else but they’re also dedicated to what they do…helping others. You can watch this unfold by clicking on the video below. It’s well worth your time.
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