Hughes Springs’ school adds a second officer

By Marlene J. Bohr
mbohr@steelcountrybee.com
 
Permission was granted by the Hughes Springs Independent School District board of trustees and in no time, a second officer and a second vehicle were procured to further protect the children at school. Officer Jeff Pilgrim joins Officer Wayne Mosley as a security officer for the school district.
Five years ago the district created its own police department.
“Terry Giddens first had the idea of hiring an officer when he was exploring ways of adding to our technology curriculum at the high school,” Superintendent Rick Ogden said. “We felt like it would be a very positive presence on our campus, plus it would allow us to offer another career and technology class.
At this time we hired Officer Mosley and he began teaching three criminal justice classes along with being our police officer.
“We are constantly looking for ways to better our district and had previously had some discussion about adding a second officer. When the events occurred at Sandy Hook, we took another serious look at our campuses and felt it was the right move to add this position. When I discussed this with our principals and school board, all were behind hiring a second officer 100 percent. At this time we hired Officer Pilgrim. He is stationed at our elementary campus on a full time basis. Mr. Mosley is at the high school and junior high on a full-time basis. Both of our officers cover the extra-curricular activities of the district.”
Both officers are graduates of Hughes Springs High School.
“Each officer had a desire to come back home and have a positive influence on our students and in our community,” Mr. Ogden said. “We are very pleased to have both of these officers with our district.”
Officer Mosley graduated in 1979. He worked for 23 years in the Houston Police Department, with 20 of those years in the narcotics division. He was a senior police officer in Houston.”
Officer Mosley moved back to Hughes Springs with his family five years ago.
“I believe that since Hughes Springs ISD has started the police department it has had a great impact,” Officer Mosley said. “The police presence on the campuses sets the tone that the district has a true concern for the safety of its students as well as the calming effect it has on our parents. Early on, my number one job was to gain the trust of our student body and instill in them that police presence didn’t need to have a negative impact. I was fully aware that most contact with police officers can sometimes be stressful and negative. I felt a strong need to change that mindset. In my situation here, that transition was easy because of the classes I teach. I wanted the students to see and experience both sides of law enforcement, from the police side to the civilian side. I think we have achieved that.
“When the school district approached me and asked what I thought about expanding the department and adding another officer I was thrilled to death. The addition of Officer Pilgrim to the department will allow us to cover more areas of the campuses, along with starting some new programs of interaction with our students. Officer Pilgrim brings a strong background of communication, organization, and discipline that I believe will allow this transition.
“Our commitment here at Hughes Springs is the safety and security of our students and staff. With the understanding of our administration and board of directors, Hughes Springs has achieved that standard.”
Officer Pilgrim graduated from Hughes Springs in 1988. He served in the US Navy for 20 years and was a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy with 12 of those years in recruiting. Officer Pilgrim and his family moved back to Hughes Springs last year.
“First and foremost I want the parents of these students to know that the children at Hughes Springs ISD are safe and secure,” Officer Pilgrim said. “I hope to promote a positive relationship between the youth and law enforcement. In order for this to happen I feel that I have to get to know each one of the students and become involved in their lives as a positive role model. The intent is that positive experiences will bridge the gap between juveniles and law enforcement which will prevent juvenile crime.”