For Marisol “Mari” Hidalgo, being a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Shepherd Middle School isn’t just about enforcing rules—it’s about building trust, breaking down barriers, and making sure every student feels safe, seen, and supported.

She’s only been in the role for a month, but you wouldn’t know it from the way she carries herself. She’s present, engaged, and already a trusted figure in the hallways.

“I’m very passionate about this role because I get to be a role model, a mentor, and a bridge between students, the police department, and the community,” she says. “I love these kids, and I want them to know that I’m here for them—not just for safety, but for anything they need.”

Mari’s journey to law enforcement didn’t follow a straight line. She served in the Navy for five years, completing a deployment in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. When she returned, she knew she wanted to work in law enforcement, but life had other plans.

“I started a family, and that kind of deterred me,” she says. “But a few years ago, I was talking to my therapist, and she said, ‘You’re only 35—you still have time to do what you’re passionate about.’”

With the encouragement of her children—now in second and sixth grade—Mari decided to go after her dream. She became a police officer with the Ottawa Police Department, and after three attempts to apply for the SRO position, she finally landed the role she always wanted.

“This is like my bread and butter,” she says. “When they offered me the position, they told me they thought I would be a great fit for it. It was meant to be.”

But being an SRO isn’t just about policing—it’s about humanizing law enforcement for students who might otherwise fear the uniform. “I want kids to know I’m not just a badge or a gun,” she says. “I’m a person, and I’m here to help.”

To build relationships, she interacts with students daily—stopping by lunch tables, offering a listening ear, even running trivia contests to make herself approachable. “I love watching their faces light up when they get an answer right,” she says. “Those little moments add up.”

It’s not just about students, either. Mari works to educate both staff and kids on safety, rights, and emergency preparedness, so they’re empowered both inside and outside the school walls.

Outside of Shepherd, Mari is a mom first. But in many ways, that instinct carries into her work. “People who know me best would probably describe me as a ‘total mom,’” she laughs. “I take care of people. I want to help them succeed.”

She may not have grown up in Ottawa—she’s originally from Aurora, Illinois—but the warmth of the community has made her feel like she belongs. “Even though I’m not a local, they’ve welcomed me with open arms,” she says. “That’s why I don’t think I’ll ever leave.”

For Mari, being here is more than a job—it’s a calling. Whether it’s protecting, mentoring, or just sharing a moment of laughter over a trivia question, she’s showing students that a uniform doesn’t have to be intimidating—it can be a symbol of trust, guidance, and belonging.