Growing up, many kids dream of becoming police officers—and for Officer Stringer, that dream became a reality. Inspired by the strong community he was raised in, he became a police officer in 2010 after graduating from the Police Academy.

Officer Stringer grew up in Blue Springs, where he took part in the Blue Springs Police Department’s youth outreach program—a program that helped shape his respect for law enforcement and the School Resource Officers (SROs) who served in local schools. These early experiences sparked a deep appreciation for the role officers play in schools and planted the seed for his future career.

After graduating from Blue Springs South High School, Officer Stringer developed a growing connection to Blue Springs High School. So, when the opportunity arose to become an SRO, he didn’t hesitate. It was a chance to give back to the district that had given him so much.

Before stepping into his current role, Stringer served as a Jackson County parks officer. “I have a strong passion for the outdoors,” he says. But his current role allows him to combine that passion for service with a deep care for students. A typical day for Officer Stringer includes assisting administration, counselors, and student support staff, with a primary focus on ensuring school safety. Supervision is one of the most common aspects of his role.

He also enjoys attending school events—especially soccer games, which are his favorite to watch when he has the chance. “Watching the kids grow is one of my favorite parts of the job,” Stringer says. “Being part of a great team and being able to make a difference means everything to me.”

The hardest part of his job is seeing students make poor decisions. When those choices result in legal consequences, he must refer students to Jackson County Youth Court. Thankfully, for first-time offenders, the charges are typically less severe.

Over the years, Officer Stringer has had his share of unusual experiences—from chasing a buffalo as a park ranger to helping capture a runaway calf that made it all the way onto the Blue Springs High School soccer field. One of the most memorable incidents occurred in 2021 at the Freshman Center, where a sound—initially believed to be a weapon—was later traced to a milk carton, causing a major scare.

To students, Officer Stringer offers this advice:
“Stay on task and enjoy your time in high school. Be involved, ask for help when you need it, and always stay humble.”