SRO Vern Jefferson helps fix a student’s toy. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

There is a new face walking around South Tama’s schools this year, Vern Jefferson. Vern has taken up the mantle of School Resource Officer, a new position created just this year.

“Trying to be a role model for the kids, maybe I can inspire someone to do more positive or be positive,” Officer Jefferson said about his main goal in being South Tama’s SRO.

Although his office is in the high school, Jefferson makes it around to every school. From high-fiving and revving students up for a stellar day in the mornings at the elementary to talking to kids in the hallways at the middle school, Vern is always on the move.

Officer Jefferson feels right at home walking the STC hallways as he himself graduated from the school way back when. Vern started his career in law enforcement in 1996 as a reserve officer for the Tama County Sheriff’s Office before graduating from the academy in 1998. From there, Jefferson’s work took some twists and turns as he worked in corrections and for the Tama Police Department before spending the last 20 years with the Marshalltown Police Department.

But that’s not all. Vern was in both the Marines and the National Guard, the latter of which took him to the Middle East.

Vern Jefferson, South Tama County’s new School Resource Officer. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

During his long storied career in law enforcement, Vern has racked up a mighty amount of awards. One of the most prestigious awards Vern has been bestowed is the Medal of Valor from the Marshalltown Police Department, which he received after being shot in the line of duty on Nov. 2, 2012 by bank robbers. Vern has also been honored with the Marshalltown Police Officer of the Year, Iowa Police Officer of the Year, The Congressional Badge of Bravery, The Courage Award from the National Native American Association, and the Ron Galloway Respect for Law Award.

The thought of being the School Resource Officer had two major appeals to Vern. The first and the biggest was simply the opportunity to serve his community. The act of giving back and serving the community is something that the Jeffersons don’t take lightly. Mrs. Jefferson, Misty, works as a Tama County probation officer.

The second reason was convenience. Living on the Meskwaki Settlement, Vern now has a simple five-minute commute.

Mr. Jefferson’s roots run deep with South Tama. Not only did he have a son and a nephew graduate from the district in the last few years, but he also has a couple of kiddos currently down at the elementary. The two young ones love to see their dad at school, whether he is just walking down the hall or hopping from one lunch table to another.

“I try to sit at every table, there at lunch, and sit with the kids. So, I’m trying to give that equal amount of me to everyone,” he said.

The job is not just making sure the doors are locked and protecting the district’s children from any sort of bodily harm, it’s also to be there. Vern regularly does rounds and checks doors, his vehicle is never far away in case he has to rush to another school, but he also has snacks in his office and ears ready to listen.

“The way that I see myself and the interaction that I have as a School Resource Officer is building that relationship, building that trust, and being the role model for the kids,” Jefferson said.

Vern attended School Resource Officer school at Camp Dodge, the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, last week. This came just after he attended a half Ironman over the weekend. The fitness buff is also gearing up for a full Ironman competition in the near future.

Although Officer Jefferson has only been at this job for a few weeks, he finds it greatly rewarding. He wishes to be a resource for every student.

“Some people say Officer Vern, but I just tell them to call me Vern,” he said.