Officers want to influence students

There are two new faces in the halls at Pea Ridge schools this year. Corporal John Langham and Officer Tracy Reynolds are the new school resource officers.

Both men said they hope to be positive influences on the students with whom they interact.

"I really enjoying having the opportunity to directly influence the kids," Langham said. "I want to be a mentor to them. Their response to me has been really positive. I like having that opportunity to have a positive influence on them. That is exactly why I became a police officer."

Langham, father of six children ranging in age from 3 to 16 years of age, has been a police officer in Pea Ridge for the past nine years. He said that too often as a patrol officer he saw young people when "something went wrong," and enjoys now being part of good days with them.

"I think modeling an honorable and honest life is one of the biggest things I want to model for them. I want to help them choose to do what's right even when that's the hardest decision to make on a daily basis," he said. "As police officers, we often have to make choices that no one else wants to make. No matter how hard the situation is, choosing what's right is always best."

Reynolds, a veteran police officer of 21 years, is new to the school resource officer position and to Pea Ridge. He was hired in March. He has two grown stepsons and five grandsons.

"I'm trying to make a difference," Reynolds said. "I want to see what I can do for the kiddos."

Reynolds said he wants to teach a report writing class because he believes that it will be a valuable tool for students no matter what they do in life.

Langham enjoys storm spotting, is a pilot and likes to fish and hunt.

Reynolds likes to ride motorcycles, fish and hunt and has worked with the Red Cross. He also has two dogs he rescued. He said he likes going to church and is a Methodist.