Jack Kimsey - '69

What began as a thoughtful experiment has grown into one of the most meaningful partnerships in our district. The introduction of our first School Resource Officer (SRO) was initially a new and uncertain step, aimed at enhancing safety and support within our schools. Over time, however, it became clear that this role offered far more—fostering trust, building relationships, and creating a strong, collaborative bond between our school community and local law enforcement that continues to benefit our students and staff today.

But let’s begin with the first one. Jack Kimsey. Born and raised in Indianapolis in the 1930s, he graduated from high school and served as a Navy reservist at Glenview Naval Air Station. With his evenings free, he applied for a part-time position with the Wheeling Police Department in 1958. After completing his Navy commitment, Kimsey joined the department full time while continuing his education through Northwestern University’s Traffic Institute and Harper College’s Criminal Justice program. Around that same time, his supervisor learned of a new initiative being piloted by District 21 to place police officers in schools. In 1966, Kimsey and another officer traveled to Flint, Michigan, for training. That decision proved pivotal—Kimsey would go on to become District 21’s first Police School Liaison Officer, while his colleague took on a similar role in District 214.

At that time, the environment was much more innocent. The most serious issue was kids smoking. He remembers a time, in 1968, when he went into Whitman Elementary School to talk to the students. They asked him questions about the riots during Chicago’s National Democratic Convention. Kimsey’s role was educational with a dose of experienced insight.

He worked in the district for three years and left in 1969 after getting promoted at the police department. He found working in our district to be his favorite time during his 32 years in law enforcement. In the SRO role, he found not only purpose in keeping students safe, but also joy in building relationships, offering guidance, and becoming a trusted presence in the school community. Those friendships formed with the students and community members came in handy when he transitioned to patrolling and ran into former students who were causing disturbances in bars. “They knew me and respected me,” states Kimsey. 

Some of his favorite times at District 21 were during after-school activities where he encouraged students to be active during basketball games. “We played ‘Spirit Can’ whereby someone got into a large garbage can and popped out during the game! It was great fun,” he states. 

During his long career with the police department, Kimsey volunteered, organized and ran many youth groups for his church. He also enjoyed singing at weddings and funerals for the church with his deep baritone voice. 

His impact in the community as the District’s first SRO will be felt for years to come, and we are grateful for the care, commitment, and heart he brought to our district each and every day.

If you know someone who embodies the spirit and values of our school district — whether a student, staff member, or alumnus — we’d love to hear about them! Please send their name and a few details to [email protected]  so we can consider featuring their story in an upcoming profile.