School Resource Officers are an essential part of the community here in Logan. One particular SRO, Officer Baker at Central Elementary, has played a crucial and influential role in this community. Baker is a retired police officer; after retirement, he worked at John Glenn International Airport for eight years until he was asked to return to be an SRO at Central Elementary. His duties include emotional support for the children, checking doors and windows, helping students inside the building, and more.
Baker starts his day by sitting outside, patrolling the drop-off line, and helping kids across the crosswalk. After the students are in the building and the school day has started, he walks outside to check all the doors and windows to ensure they are locked and secure. After everything is checked, Baker goes inside to do some paperwork and check his emails. He reviews the inside of the school at lunch break to affirm it is secure. Much of his day is spent outside at recess with students.
Officer Baker is determined to create a safe learning environment for the students of Central Elementary. He wants to protect them as if they were his own family. He mentions, “It’s like gaining five hundred grandkids.” Baker being at the school is an integral part of the day. He wants nothing more than to watch over and bring protection to the elementary school. Baker represents what a School Resource Officer should want: to ensure safety in the schools they protect.
Students should feel like they can come to Baker anytime, in and out of school. He adds, “I'm just an ordinary guy; I just wear a uniform.” He wants them to have a positive police figure to talk to whenever necessary.
Overall, Officer Baker loves his job at Central Elementary: “I think the best thing I've done in my almost 44-year career as a police officer is going to Central Elementary.” That is an impactful view, given all the things he has accomplished!
School Resource Officers are a privilege Logan-Hocking School District is lucky to have. From teaching the students to playing outside with them, Baker is prepared for his job. There are many crucial roles all SROs play, but Officer David Baker excels at all of them!