For twenty years, Chief Steve Sutton worked in traditional law enforcement with the Frankfort Police Department (FPD). In search of a new challenge, he joined the staff at Simmons Elementary in 2018 as the School Resource Officer. He is now the Chief of the Woodford County Public Schools (WCPS) Resource Officers. Chief Sutton is willing to serve the students and staff of Simmons however he is needed. From opening ketchup packets and milk cartons in the cafeteria to cultivating positive relationships with students to ensuring the safety of everyone who enters the building, Chief Sutton contributes greatly to the culture and family at Simmons. In recognition and appreciation of all his efforts, he has been named as the 2019-2020 recipient of the Woodford Outstanding Service Award for Simmons Elementary.
Each time Chief Sutton walks through the blue doors at Simmons, he knows that his day will bring a wide variety of tasks. Regardless of what duties may fill his time, he has two main goals, which are the foundation for his service at Simmons: the physical safety of the people in the building and creating positive relationships with students.
Being a role model and someone who kids can trust is a responsibility that Chief Sutton does not take lightly. One of his favorite ways to carry out this responsibility is to be present during recess. Not only is he outside monitoring the safety of students, but Chief Sutton is also an enthusiastic participant in many activities. Whether it be pushing students on the swings, playing with toy trucks, or taking a turn in duck-duck-goose, Chief Sutton knows that this time with students is critical in building positive relationships. His investment with them does not go unnoticed. In fact, students have lovingly nicknamed him, “Officer Steve.”
Officer Steve describes how humbling it has been to have students reciprocate his efforts to know them and their stories. He laughs and says, “I’ve been invited to birthday parties...I never in my career have been invited to a birthday party when responding to a call.” Officer Steve also shares that he has had students choose to be him for Halloween. These lighthearted moments are certainly treasured by Chief Sutton, but he has also had several opportunities for serious times and conversations with students, too. Sometimes this looks like having intentional
check-ins throughout the week. Other times Officer Steve may take a student outside for a break or to walk around the school for a building check. He is willing and able to be a support students based on whatever is best for them.
Ryan Wilson, Academic Dean, remarks on Officer Steve’s impact on the Simmons community; he says, “Officer Steve embraces and exemplifies all that is great about Simmons. He goes above and beyond his duties of keeping kids safe and truly is about Every Kid Every Day. He is a mentor, a teacher, a comforter, and friend, and a tremendous role model for all kids. Students seek out Officer Steve because of the relationships he has built with all the kids and the kids love him.”
Tiffany Cook, Principal of Simmons, adds, “Between counseling, encouraging, some tough conversations, and checking in on kids; Steve still manages to ensure that Simmons is the safest school possible both inside and out. Our kids and staff know this, and believe that Steve will do whatever it takes to keep them safe.”
Chief Sutton has a tremendous heart and an outstanding dedication to the people and community he serves. We are so grateful to have him building positive relationships and keeping our students and staff throughout the district safe.
Congratulations on receiving the Woodford Outstanding Service Award, Officer Steve!
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