When Dave Van Bibber walks the halls at Dolores Elementary School, he shakes as many hands as he can.
He also teaches students a special handshake.
"They love it," he said.
After nearly 20 years on the road as a Colorado State Patrol officer, Van Bibber has just completed his first full week as the Dolores Schools' school resource officer. The position was revived when Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin took office last month.
Van Bibber recently retired as a state patrol traffic accident investigator, and was working at the Sports Authority in Durango when he accepted the school position.
It wasn't an easy decision.
"Kids can be intimidating," he said.
Van Bibber said he had to learn to tone down his law enforcement side since he now works mainly at a school and not a crime scene.
"This is a very good challenge for me," he said. "I really enjoy seeing the positive side of education and our youth. I am seeing a lot of really great kids."
A few minor bullying and cyber-bullying incidents have kept him busy.
So far, Van Bibber said, the students are excited that he is on board.
"My goal is to be a good liaison," he said.
When Van Bibber is on campus, he doesn't wear a uniform, but he's equipped to enforce the law. He carries handcuffs, a radio, a gun and other law tools and can assist in criminal matters in Dolores if needed
He doesn't wear a deputy's uniform at the school, he said, because he feels the casual uniform will make him more approachable to students. Van Bibber said he'll wear a deputy's uniform when he attends athletic events.
Van Bibber also hopes to teach age-appropriate classes to students regarding drug awareness and other safety choices.
"I want to teach them they have the ability to make their own decisions," he said.
Although Van Bibber can be called out to other situations in Dolores, he said, "My No. 1 priority is the school."
When Nowlin was sworn in as Montezuma County Sheriff in January, he quickly restored the position of school resource officer.
"The safety of the students and the staff in our communities is a top priority to me," Nowlin said.
Dolores Schools haven't had a school resource officer since last school year.
"Having that resource there and the right time and the right person is very beneficial," Nowlin said.
The position is 100 percent funded by the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office.
And so far, "Deputy Dave," as students call him, has been accepted by students, who lined up last week to learn a secret handshake.
"We found the perfect fit," Nowlin said. "(Van Bibber) is self-motivated, energetic, experienced and has dedication and responsibility to the duties."
Nowlin said he also picked Van Bibber because he's very approachable."
"I don't want a security guard," Nowlin said. "His No. 1 priority is security and the protection of the kids."
