Wyman School’s Safety Patrol is “respectful, responsible, and ready” to take on the new school year.

A group of 12 sixth graders “pledged” on Oct.7 to be officially installed as school safety patrollers.

The Safety Patrol is a huge part of Wyman’s 80-year history. Principal Ronald Celio had photos of prior patrols dating back to the 1940s and pointed out that today’s patrollers wear the same cross-body sashes identifying themselves.

Wyman’s patrollers are in good company; Warwick Police Officer Nelson revealed that former President Bill Clinton had been on a Safety Patrol.

Nelson came to the school to talk with the students about both his job and theirs. Nelson has been with the WPD for 12 years, and this will be his fourth with the school district. Though he is the School Resource Officer at Warwick Vets, he helps out in other schools with things like safety patrols.

In response to a question from a patroller about the best part of his job, he said working with the kids is the most fun.

“I have the best job in the police department,” he told the students.

The patrollers help primarily during dismissal, which Celio said is a “complicated dance” at the end of each school day. Students must be matched with the right buses and parents when the dismissal bells sound, and Safety Patrol helps ensure this process goes smoothly. They’re a bit like big brothers or big sisters to the younger students, Celio said. The guidance is mutually beneficial.

“It’s something for them to do at the end of the day that will make them feel like they’re helping. And they are helping,” said Celio.

Patrollers also work to practice and promote safe behaviors during school days. Unsafe conditions are not learning conditions, Nelson told the students, so these duties are essential. This could include helping students carry books, opening doors, and making sure all students travel safely through Wyman’s hallways. Everything the students do is under direct supervision, Celio said. However, he and Nelson both emphasize that the students are in leadership roles.

“You’re all doing my job,” Nelson told them.

Friday’s meeting wasn’t all business. It was also

”Coffee With a Cop Day,” so Nelson and the patrollers shared “coffee” (don’t worry parents, it was actually coffee milk) and donuts after they were sworn in.

Celio is excited for this year’s patrollers to start their duties and further cement the group’s status into the school’s history.

“We want kids to know they are in a safe and historic place,” he said. “We’re blessed to be a part of it.”