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Police officer helps struggling student succeed
Brent Whiting
The Arizona Republic
Jun. 13, 2007 11:20 AM
A Peoria principal credits a city police officer for going above the call of duty in making a positive impact upon a once-struggling 8th-grade student.
Officer James Cousins, a nine-year member of the Peoria force, served as an excellent role model for Vincent Padilla, 14, once considered an incorrigible teen, said Phil Stanfield, principal at Peoria Elementary School, 11501 N. 79th Ave.
Vincent, now an entering freshman at Peoria High School, "has got some positive things going on in his life right now," Stanfield said.
The youth hopes, among other things, to play football for the school's team, he said.
"To have somebody like Officer Cousins and Peoria police on this boy's side, he's got it made," Stanfield said.
Neither Cousins nor Vincent could be reached for comment, but Mike Tellef, a Peoria police spokesman, said Cousins made an "extra commitment" to the community that he serves.
Cousins got involved after responding to several police calls involving Vincent, Tellef said. The officer recognized potential in Vincent and was able to convince the boy's parents to allow him to embark upon an intervention effort that lasted several months.
"He sat down with Vincent and came up with a set of rules and standards of behavior for home and school," Tellef said.
Cousins then follow up during off-duty hours by serving as a homework tutor, he said. While on duty, he would stop by the boy's home and make sure the work was being done.
Cousins recently was invited by Vincent to attend his promotion ceremony at Peoria Elementary School, Tellef said.
"The invitation read, in part, 'Thanks for everything. I wouldn't have done it without you,'" Tellef said.
Cousins has made a further commitment to stand by Vincent and further mentor him as he works to completing high school, Tellef added.
Brent Whiting
The Arizona Republic
Jun. 13, 2007 11:20 AM
A Peoria principal credits a city police officer for going above the call of duty in making a positive impact upon a once-struggling 8th-grade student.
Officer James Cousins, a nine-year member of the Peoria force, served as an excellent role model for Vincent Padilla, 14, once considered an incorrigible teen, said Phil Stanfield, principal at Peoria Elementary School, 11501 N. 79th Ave.
Vincent, now an entering freshman at Peoria High School, "has got some positive things going on in his life right now," Stanfield said.
The youth hopes, among other things, to play football for the school's team, he said.
"To have somebody like Officer Cousins and Peoria police on this boy's side, he's got it made," Stanfield said.
Neither Cousins nor Vincent could be reached for comment, but Mike Tellef, a Peoria police spokesman, said Cousins made an "extra commitment" to the community that he serves.
Cousins got involved after responding to several police calls involving Vincent, Tellef said. The officer recognized potential in Vincent and was able to convince the boy's parents to allow him to embark upon an intervention effort that lasted several months.
"He sat down with Vincent and came up with a set of rules and standards of behavior for home and school," Tellef said.
Cousins then follow up during off-duty hours by serving as a homework tutor, he said. While on duty, he would stop by the boy's home and make sure the work was being done.
Cousins recently was invited by Vincent to attend his promotion ceremony at Peoria Elementary School, Tellef said.
"The invitation read, in part, 'Thanks for everything. I wouldn't have done it without you,'" Tellef said.
Cousins has made a further commitment to stand by Vincent and further mentor him as he works to completing high school, Tellef added.
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