MARION -- Retired Illinois State Police trooper Phil Jeralds was hired as a school security officer in Marion following a unanimous vote of the City Council.
Jeralds had been working as a school protection officer in Herrin, and says he enjoys working with children and changing their perception of police officers.
"We're not the bad guys," Jeralds said. "It was a sizable improvement to schools in Herrin, and I have seen some positive things there. I hope to do the same in Marion schools."
