For Officer Ken Sangston, serving as Seneca High School’s School Resource Officer (SRO) is more than just a job—it’s a way to ensure that every student, parent, and teacher feels safe, supported, and valued. With 33 years in law enforcement, Ken didn’t originally envision working in a school setting. His career began in emergency medical services, where he trained as a paramedic before transitioning into law enforcement, following in the footsteps of his father, who was chief of police in Streator, and his brother, a Bureau County officer.

After spending 26 years with the Marseilles Police Department, where he rose through the ranks to captain, Ken planned to retire. But in 2017, former Seneca Superintendent Dr. Jim Carlson approached him about becoming the district’s first SRO. At first, he turned it down. He had other plans, but his wife encouraged him to reconsider, telling him that he might be exactly where he was needed most. A year later, he accepted the job, stepping into a role that has grown beyond what he ever imagined.

For many, the primary role of an SRO is safety, and Ken takes that responsibility seriously. His presence at Seneca High School is constant, whether he’s greeting students at the front door, monitoring hallways, or attending after-school events. He wants parents to feel confident that when they drop their kids off or put them on the bus, they are safe at school. That kind of reassurance, he believes, is a big part of what an SRO provides.

But his work isn’t just about responding to emergencies—it’s about prevention, relationship-building, and making sure students see him as more than just a law enforcement officer. He wants them to know they can talk to him, that he is part of their school, and that his role is to help them, not just enforce rules. That’s why he’s immersed himself in all aspects of school life. He’s not just in uniform standing at the door—he’s coaching wrestling and football, driving school buses to student events, and making himself available during study halls.

That involvement makes a difference. Students who might otherwise see an officer as distant or unapproachable know him as someone who’s part of their daily lives. They talk to him, trust him, and know that if they have a problem, he’s someone they can go to. That trust is critical in his role, and it’s something he has worked hard to build over the past seven years.

Ken’s connection to Seneca runs deep. He has lived in the area for years, raised three children who attended Seneca schools, and has served as president of the Seneca Grade School Board for 16 years. His dedication to student safety has led to major improvements, including updated security systems, advanced ID check-in procedures, and a proactive approach to school safety that involves every teacher, administrator, and student. He credits the staff for their commitment, saying that even the best policies mean nothing if people don’t believe in them. At Seneca, everyone takes safety seriously.

Ask Ken about "The Seneca Way," and he’ll tell you it’s about high expectations—not just for students, but for the entire school community. It’s a set of standards that apply to everyone, guiding how students, teachers, and staff approach their work and how they treat each other. The goal is to always improve, always look for ways to be better, and always do what’s best for the students.

That philosophy has shaped generations of students, including Ken’s own children. His oldest daughter, Rachel, is a speech pathologist, his middle son is an electrician, and his youngest son is also in the trades—all paths that started during their time at Seneca High School. Seeing students go on to build successful futures is one of the most rewarding parts of his job.

Looking back, Ken realizes that taking the job in 2018 was one of the best decisions he ever made. He thought he was retiring from law enforcement, but in reality, he was stepping into something even more meaningful. Now, when people ask him why he’s still at Seneca High School, his answer is simple:

“Because this is where I’m supposed to be.”