'Officer Friendly' gets a tribute

<p>For 18 years, former Rohnert Park public safety officer Larry Jones patrolled the hallways, classrooms and schoolyards of the Cotati-Rohnert Park School District's dozen-plus campuses offering guidance to troubled youth.</p><p>"He was like a Catholic priest. Kids would come to him with their problems," said retired Rohnert Park Public Safety Director Robert Dennett.</p><p>"He had such a rapport with kids. He dealt with crime prevention, counseled kids in trouble and was the go-to key for campus personnel," he said.</p><p>Jones, who worked 27 years with the department, was known by the moniker "Officer Friendly" for the 18 years he served as school resource officer. Dennett said he gave him the job "because he was a natural. The kids just loved him."</p><p>On Saturday, the community returned that love. More than 200 people gathered around Jones at Rancho Cotate High School to name the school's circular drive entryway "Officer Friendly Way" in honor of the 66-year-old Jones, who is battling kidney cancer.</p><p>Beside it is a separate sign detailing Jones career. It ends with "The Rohnert Park and Cotati communities thank you for being a positive influence on our children."</p><p>-- Mike McCoy</p>