MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- Standing by a lunch table, the tall, blonde 29 year old smiled as he talked with Isela, 11, and Kendra, 11, at Quantico Middle/High School on Oct. 24, 2013.
Christopher Dorsett, the school resource officer, finished the conversation and continued to circle the perimeter of the school cafeteria watching over the hundreds of children entrusted in his care. To some, he may simply be a member of the Provost Marshal’s Office, but to the staff and students of QMHS, he is much more.
“He is awesome,” said Isela. “He keeps the school safe.”
Dorsett began his position in August, replacing Michelle Quick-Reyes, but is not a rookie to serving others. The motorcycle enthusiast served five years in the Marine Corps as a military policeman and continued to serve others even after leaving the Corps.
“I joined the Marine Corps, specifically military police, because I wanted to help people,” said Dorsett. “When I got out of the Marine Corps, I worked with the Single Marine Program for a few years.”
Dorsett returned to the law enforcement sector 18 months ago as a civilian and transferred to the base school where he provides security and mentorship.
“It takes a certain type of temperament and personality to work with students,” said Lt. John Rolaf, assistant operations officer. “He’s got an even-keeled type of demeanor; He’s very level-headed and detailed, and he’s firm in the way he conducts his business. He likes what he’s doing.”
Roving the hallways is only one aspect of his job. In addition to providing a security presence, Dorsett makes it a point to make mentorship a priority.
“I try to communicate with the students on a regular basis, even if it’s as simple as telling them good morning or asking them how they are doing,” said Dorsett. “I try to make myself open to the students so they feel comfortable coming to me with things.”
And the students can tell.
“He’s a nice guy,” said Jonathan, 15. “He talks to the students as a friend.”
In light of the violence that’s occurring more frequently in schools across the U.S. and the world, Dorsett has a message for Quantico families.
“Security is one of the highest priorities for the installation,” said Dorsett. “The base takes the security of the school as a very high priority, and we have extensive annual training to prepare for potential threats.”
Dorsett summed up his perspective concerning his job.
“I’m glad that I’ve gotten the opportunity,” said Dorsett. “I get a feel for the pulse of the community that the other officers don’t necessarily get.”
Correspondent: samuel.l.ellis@usmc.mil