Michigan School Resource Officer Lauded for Mentorship Approach
A school resource officer in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, is being recognized for his approach to working with students, which emphasizes using his "dad skills" and parenting experience to mentor and connect with them through initiatives like "Food with Ferg" and…

Lafayette, IN, September 18, 2026 — In Eaton Rapids, Michigan, a school resource officer is gaining recognition for a distinctive approach to student engagement that prioritizes mentorship and support over traditional law enforcement functions. Officer Ferg, as he is known, is leveraging his personal parenting experience and what are described as his “dad skills” to build connections with students within the school environment.
Instead of focusing exclusively on disciplinary or security-related duties, Officer Ferg employs strategies aimed at fostering positive relationships and offering guidance. This philosophy is reflected in initiatives such as “Food with Ferg,” a program designed to provide students with meals and an informal setting to interact with the officer. The program is intended to offer students essential resources while simultaneously creating opportunities for mentorship and open communication.
The emphasis of his work is on understanding and supporting students through life’s challenges, drawing parallels from his own experiences as a parent. This method aims to make the school resource officer a more accessible and relatable figure for the student body, encouraging trust and a willingness to seek help or advice. The approach moves beyond the role of a traditional law enforcement officer, highlighting a commitment to the holistic well-being of the students.
Story summarized from the original created by David Andrews, InvestigateTV staff on www.wlfi.com, see more information here.
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