Our SRO Spotlight is on Kevin Foust
For this month’s SRO Spotlight, we’re excited to feature Kevin Foust of the Brookland Police Department and his four-legged partner, Ozzy. With 36 years in law enforcement and a lifelong passion for working with young people, Foust serves as a School Resource Officer for Brookland Public Schools, where he and Ozzy make a lasting impact on students every day.
While Ozzy is a highly trained narcotics detection K-9, he is perhaps best known throughout the district for the smiles he brings to students. Whether accompanying Foust in schools, visiting classrooms, helping teach D.A.R.E. lessons, or simply providing comfort to children who may be having a difficult day, Ozzy has become a favorite among students of all ages. Together, Foust and Ozzy promote school safety, build positive relationships, and serve as trusted resources for students, staff, and families across the district.
This month, we’re highlighting the unique partnership between Officer Foust and Ozzy and the positive influence they continue to have throughout the Brookland Public Schools community.
How long have you worked in law enforcement?
I am currently in my 36th year of law enforcement and am currently serving with the Brookland Police Department.
Why did you become an SRO?
I retired from the Jonesboro Police Department in 2018. My last 16 years there, I taught the DARE program in our schools as a full-time position. I enjoy working with kids and educators and having the opportunity to become an SRO has truly been a blessing for me. I enjoy helping our teachers and students in any way that I can.
Tell us about your K-9 partner.
Ozzy is an 8-year-old Yellow Labrador Retriever and a trained narcotics detection K-9.
How does having a K-9 partner impact your work on campus?
Ozzy and I are assigned to the Brookland elementary schools, but we travel to where and when we are needed across the district for drug detection.
How do students typically react when they meet your K9?
Our students love Ozzy at all grade levels and they always enjoy seeing him coming down the hallways of our schools. Although Ozzy is a drug detection dog, he often helps us with children that may be just having a bad day. They can often come to the office and visit Ozzy and he can help calm them.
What do you find most challenging about working on a school campus?
I think sometimes people do not realize how busy it can be at the elementary level. We daily deal with child custody issues, mental health issues, behavior issues and even sometimes helping our kids who may be homeless.
What do you find most rewarding about working on a school campus?
One of the most rewarding things to me is being able to be a positive role model to our students and helping them and their families any way that I can.
What has surprised you the most about working with kids?
Most surprising to me is how smart my first and second graders can be. They do often ask questions, but I think they understand what we all have to do each day to remain safe while we are at school.
Are there any programs, demonstrations, or techniques (including involving your K9) that you feel have been helpful in creating a safe learning environment?
We often go to the classrooms and talk about Ozzy’s role here at school. We also conduct firearms safety classes for our students.
What role does your K9 play in school safety or student engagement?
During the second semester every year, Ozzy and I go to the middle school and teach DARE classes for our fifth graders. Ozzy goes with me to the classroom while I am teaching the DARE classes. The kiddos love Ozzy and always look forward to him coming to class.
What advice would you give to a first year SRO?
My advice would be to build a good relationship with your students and their parents. Also build that relationship with your teachers and staff by helping them any way that you can. Be there for them, be a positive role model and a resource for them when needed.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
My hobbies are golfing with my two adult sons, spending time with my family and spoiling my two- year-old grandson every opportunity that I have.
What does Ozzy like doing when he’s off duty?
While not on duty, Ozzy loves to play with a tennis ball and catch a nap when he can.
If you weren’t a police officer, what would you be doing instead?
If I were not a police officer, I think I would enjoy being a school teacher or serving on the school staff in some capacity.
Do you know a School Resource Officer who should be featured in our SRO Spotlight?
Contact Mitch Regnas at [email protected] or 501-570-8036.