“Where’s Mac?”
If you catch Fairfield Police Chief Skyler Garner on the right day, Garner’s name actually could be the proposed question. Not much else is said to officer Garner other than worrisome teenagers looking for their trusty pup.
And Garner is OK with that.
The duo of Skyler and Mac have become staples of student support in the Fairfield Community Schools district, and not just at the Junior/Senior High School where the police chief is stationed. The elementary kids all know who Mac is, and that’s the goal. But Garner is also well-known, and that’s the ultimate aim in his role protecting Fairfield’s schools.
“The ‘key’ to being second fiddle to Mac is knowing that his presence makes kids smile,” admitted Garner. “As long as that is happening, I am good with it!”
Garner remembers what it was like to be a kid running the halls at New Paris Elementary, getting into mischief and later praying for the day when he could get his Fairfield diploma and move on. He also vividly remembers the day he prayed to come back to the schools he once dreaded, and getting the opportunity to serve his community. Working in law enforcement for 18 years, Garner has served with the Bristol Police Department and was also as a School Resource Office and on-duty officer with WaNee Schools and for the city of Nappanee. Coming back to Fairfield Community Schools in September of 2022 wasn’t just another stop on his service tour, but he feels this has a greater purpose.
“The best part of the job always has been and always will be building relationships with the students,” noted Garner. “However, there are always things going on in the building that make you laugh. My day usually begins in the main hall greeting kids with (Fairfield assistant principal) Nick Jones. After that, who knows what is coming my way. I could be doing a classroom presentation, taking a report, working an accident, or driving Dr. Cannon to catch a ride on a helicopter. Every day is unique here at FCS.”
If you ask Mac, he’s just happy being fed and getting plenty physical attention from the students and staff members. He doesn’t ask for much unless you have a plate of food, then he asks for all of it. As officer Garner stated, he’s fallen in love with his role in the community, and continues to come up with new ways to give back. While he’s been here less than two years, Garner feels there’s already been marked improvement, and more to create.
“My ultimate goal will always be ensuring that our students, staff and visitors are safe when on campus,” Garner said. “The needs of safety in our district are always being reviewed and addressed. As our district continues to grow, I can see considering the addition of another officer to primarily serve our elementary schools.”