Logan County law enforcement officials are working to build stronger relationships with local youth through a new initiative called “Before the Badge.”
Sheriff Randy Dodds and Family Court Judge Natasha Kennedy joined Sheriff’s Department Chaplain Gary Brown as he led the first-ever “Before the Badge” assembly on Monday at Indian Lake Middle School, speaking with 4th, 5th, and 6th graders.
Chaplain Brown said the goal of the outreach is to show young people that most authority figures have good intentions—and that developing good habits early in life can lead to better decision-making as they grow older.
Brown told students, “Maybe there’s an area where you’re struggling with rebelling against your parents or in your classroom and you’re not following the rules for whatever reason… If you will start behaving now, following rules, it will increase your chances of making better decisions when you are older and the consequences are much more severe.”
During the assembly, Brown led a “Sheriff Says” game—similar to Simon Says—encouraging students to listen carefully and follow directions. He then donned a referee jersey to officiate a spirited 3-on-3 basketball game between students, using it to demonstrate that rewards and consequences aren’t always immediate.
At the end of the event, student volunteers tossed bracelets and t-shirts into the crowd as prizes.
School officials noted that “Before the Badge” complements the district’s Lake Effect and E+R=O (Event + Response = Outcome) lessons, which emphasize positive behavior and accountability.
The assembly wrapped up with loud cheers as students voted for which teacher or staff member they wanted to see get “handcuffed.”
Fourth-grade teacher Christi Warnecke took the honor—much to her students’ delight.
The “Before the Badge” team plans to bring the program to 7th and 8th graders later this school year at Indian Lake and will be at Calvary Christian later this month.
