For twenty-eight years as a member of the Hamilton Police Department, Officer Ernie Huff has lived by the philosophy that “Everyone needs a chance sometimes and people need to be reminded that there’s always hope.”
This philosophy is particularly relevant in Huff’s current role as a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Hamilton High School. Not only does he provide another layer of safety and security for the building, but also mentorship for others. Many students who come to school everyday are already dealing with significant issues and trauma outside of school. “Kids need to be built up, not just torn down. They need a mentor and teacher. Sometimes you might think they’re not listening, but they are. They need someone that’s going to give them hope.” In his role as SRO, Huff believes that respect is essential. “You don’t know people’s history and where they are coming from, so it’s important to just treat everyone fairly.”
The philosophy he employs each and every day came full circle in late November, when Huff suffered a large aneurysm that required brain surgery. In this moment of crisis and uncertainty, it was quickly apparent that the relationships he had built and the mentorship he had provided throughout the Hamilton community over the years had not gone unnoticed. “The response was overwhelming,” said Huff’s wife, Lori, “Support came from all angles and walks of life.” Officer Huff added, “The community response was overwhelming and awesome. It really caught me off guard. I knew that I had built up a lot of relationships and helped out a lot of people, but you never realize the impact you have.”
Support and assistance from the community arrived quickly and in many forms. “The social media response was incredible and staggering. A post requesting prayers for Ernie was shared well over 500 times” said Lori. Meals were provided daily by members of the community, along with cards, flowers, and emails. The response helped the family focus on Officer Huff’s recovery and took a great deal of weight off of their shoulders. “There was a constant physical presence from the school and police department at the hospital” added Lori, “People mobilized for a solid month. The response from the community cannot be overstated. It was unbelievable.” Students from a number of Hamilton City Schools offered support by sending hundreds of cards. Staff and students at HHS created and signed a twenty foot banner in honor of Officer Huff. “We received so many emails from former students and community members asking how Ernie was and offering support. Many of them talked about the impact and difference he had made in their lives. The first time we left the house to go on a walk, people were so happy to see him out and about.”
Officer Huff is currently back to work on light duty, but he is eager to get back to Hamilton High School in his role as a school resource officer. “I miss the kids. I miss their smiles and just talking to them.” Hamilton High is eager for his return as well. Students see him as an integral part of the school building and a positive role model who is approachable and treats them with respect. A sentiment that was echoed throughout the student body was that the building just wasn’t the same without Officer Huff.
“I miss the kids. I miss their smiles and just talking to them.”
In the end, the heart of any city is not in its buildings, but in its citizens. The foundation of our community is not built upon concrete and brick, but on the support we provide each other. The manner in which a community responds in times of crisis and need is the greatest measure of a city’s character and success. In Hamilton, everyday heroes like Officer Huff, along with all those who supported the Huff family in their time of need, remind us that we are only as strong as the relationships we build and the impact we have on others.