NORWAY, Mich. (WZMQ) – In an exciting development for the Norway-Vulcan School District, the City Mayor of Norway has made a significant announcement regarding the addition of a new school resource officer. With the city generously splitting the total cost of nearly two hundred thousand dollars equally with a state of Michigan School Resource Officer grant, the school will benefit from the presence of a dedicated officer for at least the next three years. This decision has been met with hope and optimism from the school superintendent, who envisions this becoming a permanent addition to promote safety education from an early age.
Superintendent Lou Steigerwald expressed his aspirations for the program to extend beyond the initial three-year period, stating, “So we hope after three years with this program that the state will extend it. I’m sure that’s true of every district in the state, so we’ll see how it goes. And then hopefully we can talk to our representatives and senators, and the governor, and get them to extend the program after this one is over.”
Assisting in the seamless transition of the new officer from the city police force to the school hallways is Norway Police Chief Patrick Wilkey. Chief Wilkey has been instrumental in providing guidance and support to the officer, Jeffery Forsberg, who will be taking on this crucial role within the school community.
Chief Wilkey expressed his enthusiasm for the officer’s potential involvement in teaching safety classes, saying, “The idea is to get Jeff into training, where he could even start teaching some safety classes.” He also commended Officer Forsberg’s caring, energetic, and goofy personality, which he believes will make him a perfect fit within the school environment.
With the addition of a dedicated school resource officer, the Norway-Vulcan School District sets an example for other districts in prioritizing the safety and well-being of their students. The collaborative efforts between the city, state grant, and law enforcement agencies showcase a commitment to fostering a secure learning environment. The students, parents, and school staff eagerly await the positive impact the new officer will undoubtedly bring to the Norway-Vulcan School District.
As the Norway-Vulcan School District eagerly awaits the presence of Officer Jeffery Forsberg, it is clear that he brings a wealth of experience and a passion for working with children. With two years of experience in the field with the Norway Police Department and a background as a trained military police officer with the Michigan Army National Guard, Officer Forsberg understands the importance of serving and protecting our nation’s most vulnerable individuals. His dedication extends beyond ensuring safety; he is committed to fostering the lives of students from early kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Officer Forsberg’s interactions with children at his church, and in his previous role, have prepared him for the entertaining and thought-provoking questions that may arise during his time at the school. He shared, “They’ll ask if you’ve done anything interesting, generally I tell them not really that much. They’re pointing out, it’s like what is that, what is this, and I think it’ll be a new and fun challenge.”
Recognizing the immense educational opportunity Officer Forsberg’s presence brings, the school district has plans for him to engage with students in various capacities. The superintendent expressed their excitement, stating, “We absolutely plan for the officer to go into classrooms and talk to the older kids about careers, and to the younger kids about what police do, and safety. We are looking forward to being able to do that. It’s a great opportunity for the kids.”
The collaborative efforts of the City Mayor, Police Chief, and School Superintendent have culminated in the arrival of Officer Forsberg, who will soon be walking the halls of the Norway-Vulcan School District. With over five hundred students set to benefit from his presence, the community can rest assured that their children’s safety and educational development are at the forefront. The addition of Officer Forsberg is not only a testament to their commitment, but also an opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of safety, and alleviate any concerns their parents may have.
