Going above the line of duty

By CHRIS COATS / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News

On a typical morning at Wilson Middle School, Plano police Officer Art Parker helps students cross carpool traffic. During his downtime, though, he becomes an entertainer, doing moon walks, precision spins and other intricate moves for his mobile audience.

"He just brightens your day even when you're tired," said parent Christy Kinnaird. "It can be raining, hot or snowing, and he's out there dancing with a smile."

Officer Parker has been with the Plano Police Department for 23 years. For the past 18, he's been a school liaison officer, now stationed at Wilson, located on Custer Road.

"Having an opportunity to work with kids, you have the ability to affect and touch a lot of lives," Officer Parker said.

The School Liaison Unit was created in 1982 and has 21 officers assigned to every Plano middle, high, and senior high school, as well as the Larry D. Guinn Special Program Center.

Its purpose is not only law enforcement but also fostering understanding and trust between students and officers, officials say.

In 1992, Officer Parker also helped create and lead the Youth Police Academy, where eighth- through 12th-grade Plano students sign up for a 10-week program to learn the ins and outs of being a Plano officer.

"He is great with kids and is making a lasting impression on them," said Officer Rick McDonald, a Plano police spokesman.

Officer Parker was first stationed at Plano Senior High for 12 years. He's known for his unique ways of interacting with kids, such as singing self-penned rap songs on topics like saying "no" to drugs at presentations. He's also known for memorizing students' names.

"He'll sit at his desk with pictures cut out from the yearbook and quiz himself on names," said Selenda Anderson, principal at Wilson. "He wants students to feel special that he calls them by name."

Officer Parker said it's a habit he started when he entered the program and saw kids eating lunch alone.

"They're lonely when they see the other kids sitting at tables with their friends," he said. "It's going up to them and being there for them in whatever way you can."

Logan Nelson, a Wilson eighth-grader who is in the Youth Police Academy, credits Officer Parker for his desire to become a police officer.

"He always tells us awesome stories of all the things he's done and how police officers can change people's lives," Logan said. "He's changed my attitude in life and in school."

Officer Parker credits the students for helping him fight through cancer 10 years ago, caused by a tumor above his left eye. He has a C-shaped scar as a reminder.

"I was really down," he said. "These young people gave me the willpower to get out of bed. They were excited about their future and wanted me to be there to talk to them about it."

He's getting ready to team up with Ms. Anderson at the school's upcoming social, where he annually competes with students for the title of best dancer. Although he admits he can't compete to their level of hip-hop, he's not ready to concede either.

"I've been around a while and have got some special moves in store," he said with a smile. "They better watch out, because you never know what I'll come up with next."