TAMPA, Fla. – School Resource Officer Fredrick Powell plays a huge rule at Potter Elementary School, where he keeps the kids safe, shares life lessons and motivates them to work hard.
What You Need To Know
- School Resource Officer Fredrick Powell plays a huge rule at Potter Elementary School, where he's worked for more than nine years
- Powell started as an armed security guard before becoming the school’s resource officer
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“I love kids,” Powell said. “I’ve always loved kids, and just to know you’re making a difference in their life.”
Powell started as an armed security guard before becoming the school’s resource officer. He’s been at Potter Elementary for more than nine years.
He helps kids stay motivated by operating a game room at the school.
Throughout the week, students earn points for good behavior and being on time. Those points give them access to the game room on Fridays. Powell brought in most of the games and then collected donations to buy even more.“They’re able to have a great experience in here for not only just being good and doing what they’re supposed to be doing, but now they get an extra surprise,” Powell said. “I love that I get to change a kid’s life every day I get to touch a kid’s life.
“I get to learn what they’re doing at home. I can implement some things that I know of growing up as a kid into their lives so they can do better.”
Powell said he cares about every student and wants to see them succeed. He’s teaching them how making good choices and working hard pays off.
“I’m their father figure once they come to the school — not only just I’m in uniform, but I’m a man that speaks positive to their life,” Powell said. “I implement positive things, positive change within them. So it’s like I’m their dad when they’re here.”