Living Stronger is a “CBS Evening News” series celebrating the people leading the way to longevity — and inspiring the rest of us.
PLANO, Texas — When Officer Arthur Parker directs traffic in front of Clark High School in Plano, Texas, the 57-year-old keeps the cars and his body moving, surprising some drivers.
“I had a patrol call and say someone called and said there’s an officer drunk in the street. They got a real call,” Parker said.
But to students and staff who know Officer Parker, or OP as he’s called, it’s nothing new.
He has worked as a school resource officer for the past 27 years and he’s living stronger by keeping people safe and spreading joy.
“He makes them laugh,” said Janice Williams, the high school’s principal.
“My first impression was ‘oh my gosh, this is gonna be the person that’s gonna be protecting us’ because he did his normal goofy OP (Officer Parker) thing and went into some kind of character, and he’s kept me laughing ever since,” Williams said.