Jason Ferguson has worn a lot of uniforms in 34 years of law enforcement, from canine handler to homicide detective. These days, the one that matters most is the one he wears walking the halls of Eaton Rapids High School in Michigan, where he’s been the school resource officer for four years.
His favorite program is called “Food with Ferg.” Every week, he takes three students to lunch at one of six local restaurants that offer free meals. No agenda, no pep talk required. Just a chance to talk one on one about college, trades, or whatever is on a teenager’s mind. He also keeps a storage closet stocked with donated shoes, clothing and personal items for students in need, and he helps seniors write scholarship applications and letters of recommendation. “This is here because I have to wear it, and I have to provide safety and security, but I’m here to help you make better decisions,” he says of the uniform.
School administrative assistant Alicia Cooper says Ferguson serves as a friend, and sometimes a therapist, to students. For Suncoast families, it’s a reminder that mentorship doesn’t require a big budget. It requires a trusted adult, a standing appointment, and a willingness to listen. Could a program like this work at a school in Sarasota, Bradenton or Venice? What would it take to get it started?
