Officer Barr: Keeping Apison Elementary Safe
February 22, 2025 – At Apison Elementary School, students start their day with many friendly faces and maybe even a high-five or two. One of those faces belongs to Officer Jon Barr, the school’s Student Safety Officer (SSO). Whether he’s standing at the car drop-off line, monitoring the hallways, or checking in on students who had a rough day before, Officer Barr is always there to ensure that Apison Elementary is a safe and welcoming place.
February 15 was National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day. This year, we’re highlighting Officer Barr for the vital role he plays at Apison and in the community as the school’s SSO.
Every morning, Officer Barr arrives early to help with the car line. “I make my rounds, make sure all the doors are secure, and check in on any students that had a rough day the day before,” he explains. “Then I get my office set up, cameras running, so I can see the school from different angles all at once.”
Much of his day is spent being present where the students are—whether in the lunchroom, hallways, or playground. But his job isn’t about watching over the school; it’s about being a trusted adult that students can rely on.
Officer Barr has worked in High Schools, Middle Schools, and Elementary schools, where he is currently filling in for their regular SSO. This experience with a wide range of ages and schools helped him learn that feeling safe isn’t just about locked doors and security cameras—it’s also about relationships.
"I want them to feel safe and supported here. I spent years advocating for kids in crisis. But I took this role because I believe prevention is just as important as intervention."
That means when a student is having a bad day, Officer Barr doesn’t just move on—he checks in. “You try to talk to them, figure out what’s going on, and come to an understanding,” he explains. “Find out what they need and try to help them.”
For Officer Barr, working at Apison Elementary isn’t just a job—it’s personal. “I actually live in the community, and my daughter goes here,” he says. “I know some of the kids are my neighbors. I go to the gas station or the store, and they recognize me and say, ‘Hey, Officer Barr!’ It’s nice to work in the community where you live.”
He also knows that being a safety officer means being prepared. “We do a lot of training—de-escalation techniques, active shooter drills, working with law enforcement,” he says. “It helps us stay calm and focused in stressful situations.”
Despite the serious nature of his job, Officer Barr wants students to see him as someone they can trust. “I don’t want to be the big scary guy on campus,” he says. “I’m here to help kids learn and feel safe at school.”
He knows that for some students, police officers may seem intimidating or unapproachable. “Some kids have a perception of police from things that happened at home,” he says. “I want to change that. I want them to know I’m here for them.”
At the end of the day, Officer Barr’s goal is simple: “I just want to make sure every kid gets to go home safe and come back to school the next day.” The most rewarding part of his job? Seeing the impact he has on students.
“The best moments are where a student trusts you,” he said. “Sometimes they just need someone to talk to, and knowing they feel comfortable coming to me—that’s the best part of the job.”
Thank you, Officer Barr, for your dedication to Apison Elementary. Your kindness and commitment make a difference every day.
