After over 26 years in law enforcement, 20 of which he spent as a deputy for the Faribault County Sheriff’s Office, Barry Meyers, pictured above in Blue Earth Area Elementary School, decided to make a career shift and serve as a School Resource Officer.

On Jan. 4, officer Barry Meyers attended his first day of school. As a school resource officer (SRO), that is.

This year, Meyers decided to take his career in a different direction after over two decades of service to the Faribault County area as an officer and deputy.

Meyers started as a police officer in Winnebago over 26 years ago, and then served as an officer on the Blue Earth Police Department for several years. He eventually settled at the Faribault County Sheriff’s Office, where he was a deputy for over 20 years.

The 1992 Blue Earth High School graduate initially entered the field of law enforcement because he was attracted to its dynamic schedule.

“It would be something different every day,” Meyers explained.

After graduating from Blue Earth High School, he attended Alexandria Technical and Community College, where he received his technical training and completed his required coursework.

Meyers entered the field of law enforcement two years later, and has remained in it ever since.

He has enjoyed his many years in the field. In particular, he enjoys being of assistance to those in need.

“If something goes wrong, I am able to help someone out of a bad situation,” Meyers explains.

During the summer months, he will continue to address the public safety needs of Faribault County residents as a member of the Faribault County Sheriff’s Office roster.

However, now that he has accepted the position of SRO at the BEA School District, Meyers will be serving a much younger clientele than he is accustomed to nine months out of the year.

Meyers explains that his primary job as an SRO is to ensure the safety of BEA students and staff, both at BEA Elementary School and BEA High School.

He adds, “It is also to be a liaison for the kids. To talk with them and smile. It’s really fun – the little kids are amazing.” 

Meyers has several children of his own who are students in the BEA School District, including eighth graders Samantha Meyers and Kennadi Hubly and senior Colton Hubly. Another important member of his family is his wife, Jami Meyers.

It was getting to interact with children on a daily basis, including his own, which inspired Meyers to apply for the SRO position when it became available.

“The fact of getting to deal with kids all day seemed like a good change,” Meyers says.

He discussed the position with the district’s previous SRO officer, D.J. Bullerman, who assured Meyers that he has loved serving the BEA School District.

Given the positive feedback, Meyers says, “I figured I might as well give it a try.”

Bullerman is, in fact, still serving as an SRO officer. He has accepted a position as an SRO at United South Central in Wells, his hometown, and his hire was officially approved by the USC School Board on Dec. 20.

Apart from Bullerman, Meyers has other connections in the SRO field who have been helpful as he acclimates to his new position.

“It’s kind of nice having the resources of different people and different schools to make the transition easier,” Meyers says.

He adds much of his previous training as an officer and deputy crosses over into the SRO field; the main difference is that it is now applied to juveniles.

To continue his education, Meyers also plans to take courses appropriate to his new line of work, including a course on mental health which he will complete shortly.

Already, Meyers sees a great deal of value in the role which SROs play in school districts.

“I think it is a good program to have,” Meyers says. “I enjoy the interactions with the kids.” 

He is also in awe of the time and effort which all school district employees dedicate to keep schools functioning. He observes that his new colleagues, from the teachers to the administrators to the cooks to the custodians, go above and beyond in their work.

“It’s amazing how much work goes into (a school district),” Meyers concludes.