WALTON COUNTY, Ga. — The most exclusive spot to eat lunch in Loganville is not 5-star dining – it's actually not a restaurant at all. Turns out, getting a seat at the table with a local police officer is the hottest reservation in town.
A new program at Bay Creek Elementary School makes students hungry for rewards.
Loganville Police Sgt. Dustin Peterson is full of support and protection for the children in his care. His dedication means the students at Bay Creek Elementary are not starved for attention.
"My number one job is protector and guardian. That's why I come here. My job is to protect these kids at all costs," he said.
Peterson walks 12,000 steps daily on patrol around the school and then it's lunch hour - more like lunch hours.
"It's starting to catch up with me," he said laughing, "but I eat a lot of vegetables."
His diet is as colorful as his spreadsheets.
Peterson keeps track of the students and their achievements. See, students earn points for good behavior.
"Sixty points will get you a Capri Sun, 60 points gets you chips! Honey Buns are 70, that's a good one," Peterson explained.
But the students are hungry for the opportunity to earn the school's best treat.
The most expensive item a student can trade in for good behavior is a ticket for lunch with Peterson.
"Then we had to increase the price because it was becoming so popular," Principal Dr. Tammy Delk said.
She says the meal is worth it.
"He has lunch three or four times a day, with multiple kids for each lunch period," she said.
So far this year, Peterson has dined with 419 students.
"I'll start first lunch, or brunch, since we start at 10:45 a.m., and I'll have some vegetables," he explained. "The second lunch, I may break into my sandwich or yogurt. Then third lunch is the donut; gotta have a donut every day."
Students line up to get a serving of his good humor and savor their reward.
In the hour they spend together, the kids can talk about anything on their plate and dine with a trusted friend.
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"Unfortunately, just by the nature of our business, most of the time, when we interact with people of all ages, it's on their worst day," Loganville Police Chief Dick Lowry said. "By building trust and rapport and relationships with these kids through this program, it's also building trust and relationships and respect with their parents and their grandparents."
He is inviting everyone to have a seat at the table.
"When they drop their children off, I want them to feel 1000% confident that they are in safe hands. We are building that relationship with the kids," said Peterson.
Lunch with an officer is nourishing the entire school community; feeding all of their souls.
"To see their face light up when they see me – to me, doing this job, there is no greater reward," said Peterson.
Peterson worked with Loganville Police Department to create this lunch program. It's been so successful that they want to start it in schools across Walton County.
But with this news story - there's no telling how much a ticket for that reservation will cost!