SHERRARD, Ill. — When Rock Island County Deputy Mike Mendoza started as the school resource officer at Sherrard, he didn't know what to expect. Seven years later, the best part of his day is talking to the students.
"As I started talking with kids, started going to wrestling meets, basketball, football, kids just kept coming up to me, asking about my job," the 24-year veteran of the Rock Island County Sheriff's Department said. "Then I'm asking them about what they do in high school, and how their grades are, what their academics are, how's their sports, how's their social life? And then it just went on from there."
Besides working to keep students safe at the school and getting to know and connect with them, Mendoza is also constantly cooking for everyone, Superintendent Carl Johnson said, whether it's Italian beef sandwiches or chili.
"He is truly an educator and he cares about our kids and families," Johnson said. "I keep teasing his superiors, that hey, we're gonna go ahead and keep him, so if he puts in for retirement or wants a different gig, just tell him no."
Brenin Krack nominated Mendoza for the "Beyond the Badge" award, writing about his commitment to students, saying he's "the most selfless person out there."
Mendoza is also involved with the annual holiday shop with a cop program. One year he and the Riverdale SRO held a charity basketball game to raise money for it.
"He said something about wearing a tutu, they thought it would be fun," Mendoza said. "And I'm like, well if you get $100, I'll wear a tutu. So he gets the microphone, and he says, 'First person who gives me $100, Mr. Mendoza will wear a tutu. So I wore a tutu for the second half of the game. That's still hanging up in my office."
"He takes his job very seriously behind closed doors to make sure everybody is safe. But when his door is open, there is never an empty room," Krack wrote.
Beyond the Badge is part of our effort to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who make a difference in their communities.
WQAD, in partnership with Milltown Realty, Davenport Guns and Key Auto Mall, receives nominations every year so we can highlight three officers in our area who go "beyond the badge" to make a positive impact.
This honor is being given in memory of Detective Richard "Rick" Ryckeghem. Rick retired from the Moline Police Department. His last position held there was as the Quad Cities Crime Stoppers Coordinator. His focus throughout his career was to make a difference in the lives of the people he encountered.