Perhaps because it’s his favorite job and it shows, he’s become Renton’s favorite police officer.

This year, Officer Jeff Reynolds was voted “Best Police Officer in Renton." in the 2012 Best of Renton voting, sponsored by the Renton Reporter.

Originally from Richland, Wash. he’s been a police officer since 1979 and a school resource officer since 2002.

When asked what he thinks of the honor, Reynolds modestly says there are others more deserving of the title.

He calls Renton High School, where he works, his favorite high school because, “these kids are so genuine here and they’re such good kids,” Reynolds said.

He is the school’s back-up to security if they have problems or have to investigate a minor crime.

Reynolds is both the “hammer” and a mentor to youth who don’t have parents at home.

“That gives me a big joy to be able to help some of these kids and give them a bit of fatherly advice when they can’t get it other places,” he said. “I’m just here if they need to talk.”

Reynolds feels that Renton High School had a bad reputation for awhile unfairly because of a handful of students.

He said his job is made easier by the efforts of Principal Damien Pattenaude who’s straightened things out since he came to the school.

“These kids are our greatest generation,” Reynolds said. “They’re the brightest and the hardest working and the most kind.”

He believes that the current generation is going to change the world, but students need to be helped along with more mentors.

Reynolds enjoys his current position, although he has done every aspect of police work, but not traffic duty.

“Most of these kids are kids you would take home,” he said. “They’re good and they’re kind and that’s the reason I enjoy staying here and that’s the reason I haven’t retired before now.”

 

Contact Renton Reporter Staff writer Tracey Compton at tcompton@rentonreporter.com or 425-255-3484, ext. 5052.

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