Becoming the model for urban education primarily requires model teachers and students since that relationship is at the crux of education. But it takes more than just those ingredients. Exemplary people in all posts help make it happen. People like Roosevelt High School SRO Officer Mike Moody.

Moody was recently named the 2018 Des Moines Police Department Officer of the Year by the Rotary Club.

Moody’s name is a misnomer in terms of how he gets his job done. His mood on duty at Roosevelt is consistently upbeat.

“My job now is to provide a safe place for these kids to come and get an education,” Officer Moody told Cityview in 2015 after he transitioned to SRO duty. “I take it a step further. I want to get to know these kids, get to know what’s going on in their heads, in their families, what they do outside of school. So if they have a problem, they can feel comfortable coming to me, talking to me about it. It’s completely different law enforcement. I went from kicking in doors and pointing guns at people, telling them to get on the ground, to sitting down in an office with a 16-year-old kid and just trying to figure out what’s going on in his or her life. To see what I can do to help them out. It’s cool. It’s a great change. It’s an awesome change. I love it.”

Moody, a 29-year veteran of the DMPD, was assigned to Roosevelt in 2014.

“SPO (Senior Police Officer) Moody has held many positions within the department throughout his career,” said Sgt. Rodrigo J. Santizo, School Resource Officer Supervisor for DMPD, “but his current assignment at Roosevelt High School sealed his selection for this award. SPO Moody daily goes above and beyond the responsibilities of his duties, building solid relationships with students and their families. His DMPD family, and the community, thank SPO Moody for a job well-done.”

“Officer Moody is a valuable and integral part of the Roosevelt family,” said school principal Kevin Biggs. “This honor is truly deserved and reflects his commitment to our school, community and the Des Moines Police Department. We’re so happy for our friend!”

The entire district adds its thanks and a congratulatory salute.