HOWARD – The snacks and candy won’t last but sheriff’s Deputy Josh Jones probably will keep the scores of thank-you cards forever.
Jones, the East Knox Elementary school resource officer, is known throughout the two-story building simply as ‘Officer Josh.” He was honored during a surprise ceremony before the start of classes Thursday.
Students and staff lined the hallways to applaud and cheer as a smiling Jones exchanged high-fives with small hands along the way.
“Thank you,” he said, over and over. “Thank you.”
The tribute to Jones – organized by the fourth-grade student council – had been planned for Jan. 9, National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, but bad weather forced the closing of school.
The five-week delay did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of students and staff.
Amid the cheers and applause council members presented Jones with a box of snacks and another filled with students’ hand-written cards of thanks.
He also received two large thank-you posters, one containing the signatures of students in grades 4-6, the other the names of those in K-3.
“This was very nice. I am very grateful,” Jones said afterward as students and teachers moved to their classrooms.
Principal Melissa Moreland praised Jones as a positive role model.
“He always has a smile and displays a positive attitude,” she said.
Jones is a 10-year law-enforcement veteran, including six years with the Fredericktown Police Department. He requested the school resource officer assignment when he joined the sheriff’s department two years ago.
“Safety always is the priority,” Jones said, “but I wanted this position because I love kids and I want to build a positive bridge between them and law enforcement. I am trying to make sure these kids have a role model they can talk to if they need to.”
Jones praised the East Knox board of education and administration for prioritizing the importance of school resource officers. Sheriff’s Deputy Dave Nally is assigned to the junior/senior high school.
Fourth-grader Andrew Keith, the student council president, said the surprise for Officer Josh was to recognize him for watching over students.
“We wanted to thank him for being in our school,” Andrew said. “In student council we want to help other people and make our school better.”
Fourth-grade teacher Karen Meade, the student council adviser, said the group has developed several projects, including donations for a hat, scarf and mitten holiday tree for community residents who needed winter apparel.
The council also has arranged tributes to students on their birthdays and interacted on projects with special needs students.
The Knox Educational Service Center (ESC) partners with East Knox and other county school districts to develop, implement and operate cooperative, shared educational services.