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Imagine the surprise when Goshen Elementary School students arrived at school early Friday morning and were welcomed by members of the Pike County Sheriff’s Department with high-fives all around.

“High-Five Friday is a new way and good way for the officers with the Pike County Sheriff’s Department to interact with students,”  said Pike County Sheriff Russell Thomas. “Our department is always looking for more and different ways to be a part of our community and we don’t know of a better way than to interact with the kids.”

Thomas said all members of the Pike County Sheriff’s Department are dedicated to the safety of its citizens of ages.”

Thomas said it is important for youngsters to know and understand, at an early age, that law enforcement officers are always ready to respond to any threatening situation.

“We want to kids to know that our deputies are here and ready to be of service to them and it’s important that they know and understand that we are their friends and are here to help them through any kind of situation.”

Later, when the Goshen Elementary students began to arrive at the school, both bus riders and drop-offs, were obviously unsure of what was going on and to see, first, a parking lot filled with “police cars” and then sheriff’s deputies lining the covered walkway.

Some  youngsters were hesitant to approach the sheriff’s deputies but, once their hands went up followed quickly with “High Five!” they eagerly began high-fiving one deputy and then another.

“That’s what we like to see,” Thomas said. “We want kids to be comfortable approaching a sheriff’s deputy and also when an officer approaches them. The Pike County Sheriff’s Department is a friend to all kids and we are here to help ensure their safety in different way, by making sure they know and understand that sheriff’s deputies and police officers are there to protect them and keep them safe.”

And, Thomas said the sheriff and his deputies also want to recognize and acknowledge the importance of making good grades and being good friends and good citizens.

“Each Friday a special part of our High Five visit will be to  recognize a student who makes good grades and is also a  good citizen,” the sheriff told the eager listeners.

“And, we want to recognize Jasper Hill as the Pike County Sheriff’s Office as Student of the Month,” Thomas said. “Today, Jasper is being recognized for excellent behavior and, for being an overall exceptional student. Congratulations from all officers of the Pike County Sheriff’s Department.

Thomas said High-Five Friday is now a continuing part of the Pike County Sheriffs’ Department agenda.

“On the first Friday of each month, our officers will visit a different school to High-Five the kids there for being good students, good kids and good young citizens. Keep up the good work!