Springettsbury Township Police bring student to school for being good

Sirens wailed as the crowd chanted Thursday outside of Stoney Brook Elementary School, but it was all for good behavior.

Seven-year-old Easton Eberly was selected out of 520 students at the school for a ride to school in a Springettsbury Township Police cruiser. Teachers from each class selected students based on the criteria of "following directions, body under control, and using kind words," Principal Diane Grondin said. One lucky student was randomly chosen for the ride from that group.

The student body was outside and all ready for the arrival at the bus loop of the school. Eberly made two loops past the cheering crowd with Springettsbury Township Police Officer Jesse Trout at the helm of the Ford Explorer Police Interceptor emblazoned with the words "Kindness Matters" along the doors. The arm of its tiny captive, with head almost below the window, could be seen waving.

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The police cruiser was decorated in art created by a North Hills Elementary School student who won a contest last year, Trout said.

"He got nervous real quick. As we pulled in, he got real shy and wanted to get out out right away. I had to reach across and pull the door shut, Trout said. The plan was to make two passes around the bus loop past the screaming crowd.

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In retrospect, after the cheering crowd had melted back into the school and it was quiet again, Eberly said, "It was really cool."

"At this age group, I just get them to see me in a more positive light and be more familiar with me so when they do move up into the middle school they are more comfortable with me," said Trout, who is the school resource officer for Central York School District.

I have captured life through the lens since 1983, and am currently a visual journalist with the USA Today Network. You can reach me at [email protected].