SROs Join Students and Staff Heading Back-to-School in Williston

Williston, ND (KEYZ) Students, teachers, and staff were not the only ones returning from summer vacation today for the start of the 2022-'23 school year in Williston. Two of law enforcement's finest were also reporting for duty, School Resource Officers Jory Forsberg and Nick Nelson.

Public Information Officer with the Williston Police Department Heather Cook exclaimed, "they have their first day of school today too!"

Williston Police Department School Resource Officers, left to right, Nick Nelson and Jory Forsberg / Williston Police Department

Cook said newcomer to the beat School Resource Officer Nick Nelson will be stationed at Williston High School while veteran SRO Jory Forsberg returns to Williston Middle School. In addition, Forsberg's assignment also includes being a regular presence at the elementary schools.

Cook checked-in with each of the officers today. She says Officer Nelson is looking forward to becoming one with the students in his sphere of influence at Williston High School.

"He is looking forward to meeting all of his students. He's looking forward to being a mentor to kids and somebody to look up to, someone that they can rely on, a trusted adult to be there for them."

Williston Police Department School Resource Officer Nick Nelson / Williston Police Department

For his part, Cook said, Officer Forsberg is excited to greet familiar faces and make new friends during this next school year.

"He is looking forward to seeing his students back in school, and his favorite part about being an SRO is joking with the kids to create bonds with staff and students."

Williston Police Department School Resource Officer Jory Forsberg / Williston Police Department

Helping students feel bonded to the School Resource Officers who serve their schools is a priority for the Williston Police Department. As part of that goal, earlier this month the department launched the "School Resource Officer Patrol Car Design Contest." The contest encourages students in grades K-6, 7-8, and 9-12 to submit designs for three School Resource Officer patrol cars. The deadline for submissions is September 30, 2022.

For more information on contest rules and on how to submit designs, go online to:

SRO Patrol Car Design Contest

Happy first day of school to our School Resource Officers!