'Building a trusting relationship' Officers have lunch with Head Start kids

Poplar Bluff Police Patrolman Jeff Hovis entered a classroom of Head Start children and was greeted by shouts of excitement Wednesday afternoon as part of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

Police officers, firefighters, first responders and sheriff’s deputies were invited to eat lunch and spend time with the children of the Head Start centers in Poplar Bluff.

“Any opportunity to make positive contact with kids is good,” Hovis said. “A lot of times the only interaction they have with police is in a negative light while we are trying to enforce the law with family.”

Missouri Army National Guard Sgt. Jesse Heskett (left) and Cpl. Kyle Bowers enjoy talking with Nolan Taylor-Hodge (far left) and Zander Durham during Wednesday’s law enforcement appreciation luncheon. DAR/Paul Davis

Children asked Hovis questions about his radio, taser and what vehicle he drove to their school.

“I know all about police officers,” one child stated, as another shared she wished she could be a police officer.

Once Hovis made his way to the pot of chili for lunch with the students, he was asked by a child if he didn’t like “bad guys.”

“Just because someone does something bad a couple times doesn’t mean they are always a bad guy,” Hovis explained. “People make mistakes and we want them to know we are there for them and do care.”

In today’s society, he stressed, if children constantly hear police officers are bad, that is what they are going to believe.

The children obviously enjoyed chatting with the patrolman and asked if he would come back for another visit.

Next door, Sgt. Jesse Heskett and Cpl. Kyle Bowers of the Army National Guard entered a room of wide-eyed, awe-struck infant children enjoying their lunch.

“It’s always good to come and visit with the kids,” Heskett said. “I know how I felt as a young one and seeing someone in uniform.”

Bowers wished everyone from his unit could have made the trip to the Head Start centers.

“It’s good for the kids and brightens up their day,” he said during the visit.

Head Start Family Advocate Kim Lewis said inviting law enforcement to classrooms is an opportunity to let the children know those in uniform are the “good people” and there to help when in need.

“We wanted the children to experience law enforcement in a positive environment so they can build a trusting relationship,” Family and Community Engagement Manager Kelly Johnson said. “That way if they are ever in a not so positive environment they will know they can turn to law enforcement.”