Aiken Department of Public Safety Lt. Ben Harm was named PTO Volunteer of the Year by Chukker Creek Elementary, but he didn't get the recognition easily.
"He worked in rain, he worked in wind, he worked when it was extremely cold and he worked when it was extremely hot," Chukker Creek Elementary posted on Facebook. "Ben is always out keeping kids safe at drop-off, and showing a strong police presence at our school."
Harm said the volunteer work is all fun.
"It shouldn't be called volunteer work. The kids are very enjoyable, and it doesn't feel like work," he said.
Harm said his kids attend Chukker Creek Elementary - one is a rising second-grader and the other is a rising first-grader.
"My kids go to Chukker Creek, so I guess by default, I've been there as long as they have," he said. "The first couple weeks of school is really hectic, and I started helping by directing traffic and making sure the parents and kids were all OK."
Harm said he passes the school every day on his way to work, and helping with the school's traffic line only takes about 45 minutes each day.
"I'm not the first officer to do this," he said, adding many other officers do the same work at their children's schools.
Harm added the extra help makes things easier for Chukker Creek Elementary Principal Amy Gregory.
"She has 800 plus kids to look after," he said. "It is all just making things a little bit easier or a bit better."
Principal Amy Gregory said Harm is a "part of the family. The kids love him."
"He has a great personality," she said. "He has fun, and enjoys being around the kids. ... We are lucky to have him."
Harm's volunteer work and positive attitude also show at Aiken Public Safety.
"Ben's dedication to the Aiken Department of Public Safety, the City of Aiken and its residents sets the example for all of our officers to emulate," said Lt. Jake Mahoney. "Ben's commitment to the City of Aiken not only shows in his on-duty performance as the department's administrative lieutenant, but in his off-duty endeavors, as well. Ben volunteers his time as a youth sports coach, an active participant and board member of Leadership Aiken County, and as the chairman of the board of directors for the Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons."
Harm also participates in parenting programs provided by the school.
"Chukker Creek has real good parenting programs," he said. "They do a great job incorporating family participation."
Harm said at the end of the day, he wants his kids to be taught a valuable lesson.
"I want to teach my kids to do a lot of things," he said. "If you don't make a positive impact, then what have you done? Any positive impact that betters society as a whole is worth it."
When asked his thoughts about the Chukker Creek PTO calling him a "champion," Harm laughed and responded, "the PTO folks are great, and it's nice to be recognized."
Will Whaley is the crime and court reporter for the Aiken Standard.