Ben Harmon High School in Lewisville has rolled out the welcome mat for its newest School Resource Officer (SRO), Officer Sherwood, who is stepping in to build bridges between law enforcement and the student body. A familiar presence may be seen roaming the halls garbed in blue, tasked with not just the safety of the students, but also with the mission of mentoring them. Officer Sherwood steps into this role with a storied career behind him, attested by the Lewisville Police Department.

The announcement highlighted that Officer Sherwood is not just another badge and uniform but is a rabid New Orleans Saints fan with a passion for guiding young people as the Lead Mentor of the Lewisville Cadet Program. Despite the frequent stories of tension between civilians and law enforcement, Officer Sherwood is described as someone who revels in the chance to help and mentor students while changing perceptions about law enforcement.

Schools across the nation have grappled with the right balance of safety and education, with SROs being at the confluence of this debate. In a country where school shootings have punctuated the news with grim regularity, the entry of Officer Sherwood in Harmon High School is an attempt to reimagine the role of SROs - not just as defenders against potential threats but as formative influences, mentors, and allies to the students they vow to protect.