Porter's First School Resource Officer Patrolling Campus This Year

School is back in session for students in Porter and there is a new face on campus this year. For the first time, the district has a school resource officer.

While the position is new, Wagoner County deputy Jeff Pearson’s face is familiar.

“I live in the community,” said Pearson. “I have kids that go to school here, so it just seemed kind of like a natural fit. I know a lot of the staff and kids already.”

Pearson is Porter’s first full time school resource officer. His goal is to keep students safe while getting to know them.

“A lot of the younger kids, like the kindergartners and 1st grade, they call me Papa Jerry,” said Pearson.

All Porter students are on one campus. For the older kids, Pearson hopes to set the expectations for what an officer should be.

“Let them learn in this day and time, the police is somebody you can trust,” said Pearson. “We’re your friends. Members of the community.”

Pearson’s gig is made possible through state grant money allowing schools to partner with local law enforcement to bring an officer on campus.

“For small communities, it goes so far to be able to have that person here,” said Porter superintendent Chris Sherwood. “The safety it brings to our school, the response time that it helps with in case of those bad emergencies. Also, just the positive relationships he’ll have with the kids.”

Pearson says he is up for the assignment and looks forward to meeting every student.