Among the new staff members joining North this year is officer Jeff Martel. He is North’s school resource officer, and whether he is roaming the halls or supervising lunch, he is always there to help.
From an EMS professional to an advanced EMT, Martel has a lot of experience from the 27 years he has been working as a police officer.
“I actually went through paramedic school, and graduated [from] paramedic school but ended up in police academy because I always wanted to be a police officer,” Martel said. “Now I’m the school resource officer for the city of Grosse Pointe Woods and the Grosse Pointe Public Schools, and a field training officer. I’m a fire inspector, a fire investigator, and evidence tech. I do a lot of jobs within the city.”
Since joining the North staff, Martel has not only been continuing to fulfill his passion of being a police officer, but also meeting and building connections with students as well.
“[My role is] better now because before, a lot of times kids, and just people in general would see us as more of an enforcement,” Martel said. “Now I get to see everybody on the good side and be able to interact more on a one on one level and they get to know me, I get to know them.”
Martel finds value in doing his job purely to help and protect the school environment.
“I mean it’s difficult at times,” Martel siad. “I don’t want to necessarily consider myself a position of authority, I’m more in a position where I can help and assist people or mediators.”
Through actively serving the community, Martel hopes to positively influence and become a role model for the student body.
“This is what I want to do because I feel like I’m actually doing something to try to help out the kids and be a good role model for kids,” Martel said. “It’s trying to help the younger generation pick where they want to go and just have options.”
However, Martel’s pride in setting an example does not end when he leaves the building, as he also finds dignity in serving as a role model in his life outside of school hours.
“I’m very proud to be a good father, a role model for my kids,” Martel said. “I’m proud that in today’s society that there’s not too many people in my position that have stayed married as long as I have. I’ve been married for 27 years, and hope to stay married the rest of my life. I’m very proud of that. I’m also proud of where I’m at in life in general.”