Bernel Harrison Signs Off After 25 Years of Policing and Mentoring Plainfield

Over two hundred people gathered outside Plainfield Police Headquarters on Thursday to celebrate the retirement of Officer Bernel Harrison after 25 years of service. Community gathering honored public servant and mentor's career achievement and community impact.

Celebration and Ceremonial Recognition

Harrison, 52, emerged from police headquarters minutes after 4pm to sirens, cheers, and confetti. The crowd included colleagues, city workers, elected officials, and residents he has impacted over the years. Public recognition and ceremonial celebration reflected widespread community appreciation and professional respect.

Career Timeline and Service Progression

Harrison's policing career began in 2001. For the first six years, he worked in the West End projects of Plainfield. By 2007, he transitioned to working in the Plainfield Public Schools, serving as a School Resource Officer and going back and forth between Maxson, Hubbard, and Plainfield High School over the years. Career transition from street-level policing to school-based resource officer reflected shift toward youth-focused community engagement.

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Coaching and Youth Mentorship

He also served as middle school track coach for around five years and Pop Warner football coach for two years. Coaching roles provided athletic mentorship and youth development opportunities beyond formal police duties.

Community Engagement Philosophy

Throughout his career, Harrison focused on community engagement and youth mentorship. Mentorship priority distinguished Harrison's approach and career focus. Community-centered policing philosophy guided professional practice and community relationships.

Plainfield-Westfield Connection Program

He and officer Sandy Chambers of the Westfield Police Department started the Plainfield-Westfield Connection at Stillman School, bringing high school students from both communities together for mentoring and after-school activities. Peer program creation demonstrated initiative and cross-jurisdictional collaboration. Student-centered program design provided mentorship and community connection opportunities.

Queen City Mentoring Academy

He was integral to the Queen City Mentoring Academy, a four-week summer camp for middle-school-aged students in Plainfield based on the police academy experience. Program development brought law enforcement context to youth education. Summer camp structure provided intensive mentorship and skill development for middle-grade students.

Community Recreation and Programming

He also ran an open gym at Washington School for years and helped establish programs for working parents, including one at the library during winter break. Recreation programming provided accessible youth space and family-friendly alternatives. Library programming addressed working parent childcare needs during school breaks.

Professional Recognition and Community Praise

Plainfield teacher and author Joel Plummer praised Harrison's approach: "He's the gold standard of what it means to be a police officer who is part of the community rather than merely working in it." Peer professional recognition emphasized community integration and relational policing philosophy.

School Resource Officer Impact and Conflict Resolution

Councilman Richard Wyatt noted that "as a School Resource Officer, he understood that conflict resolution did not always require force. He took the time to build meaningful relationships with our young scholars, earning their trust and respect." Conflict resolution approach and relationship-building demonstrated alternative policing methods and student-centered practice.

Post-Retirement Plans and Continued Service

Harrison has stated he will not pursue security work or municipal politics after retirement. He and his wife, a therapist, own Life of Charity, LLC. Professional transition reflected deliberate choice away from continued law enforcement work. Business partnership with wife indicated shared community service orientation.

Outdoor Education and Youth Retreats

Harrison is a certified hiking, camping, and canoe instructor and plans to continue overnight camping retreats for youth. Outdoor education skills and expedition leadership enabled wilderness-based youth programming. Camping retreat continuation demonstrated sustained commitment to youth mentorship beyond police career.

Volunteer Service in Schools

He has indicated he will volunteer to help students and staff in the district during the school year. Post-retirement engagement reflected ongoing commitment to school community and student support. Volunteer service sustained educational partnership beyond paid employment.

Twenty-Five Years of Public Service

Quarter-century policing career (2001-2026) represented sustained commitment to public service and community engagement. Career longevity reflected institutional loyalty and consistent professional dedication.

For Plainfield Community and Youth Served

Officer Bernel Harrison's retirement marked conclusion of 25-year career focused on mentorship, community engagement, and youth development. His legacy of programs and community relationships will continue affecting Plainfield students and families.

Youth interested in outdoor education, mentorship programs, or community activities can continue accessing programs and initiatives established through Harrison's efforts and his continued volunteer service.

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Photo Credit: Facebook

FAQ

Q: Who is Officer Bernel Harrison?
A: Officer Bernel Harrison is a 52-year-old Plainfield Police officer who retired after 25 years of service, having served primarily as a School Resource Officer and youth mentor since 2007.

Q: How long did Officer Harrison serve in Plainfield?
A: Officer Harrison served for 25 years, beginning his career in 2001 and retiring in 2026.

Q: What did Officer Harrison do early in his career?
A: For the first six years (2001-2007), he worked in the West End projects of Plainfield in street-level policing roles.

Q: What was Officer Harrison's main assignment later in his career?
A: From 2007 onward, he served as a School Resource Officer in Plainfield Public Schools, working at Maxson, Hubbard, and Plainfield High School.

Q: What youth programs did Officer Harrison create or lead?
A: Harrison co-founded the Plainfield-Westfield Connection, was integral to the Queen City Mentoring Academy, ran an open gym at Washington School, coached middle school track and Pop Warner football, and helped establish family programs at the library.

Q: What is the Queen City Mentoring Academy?
A: The Queen City Mentoring Academy is a four-week summer camp for middle-school-aged students in Plainfield based on police academy experience.

Q: What will Officer Harrison do after retirement?
A: Officer Harrison owns Life of Charity, LLC with his wife (a therapist), is a certified hiking, camping, and canoe instructor, plans to continue overnight camping retreats for youth, and has committed to volunteer in Plainfield schools during the school year.

Q: How many people attended Officer Harrison's retirement celebration?
A: Over 200 people gathered outside Plainfield Police Headquarters to celebrate his retirement, including colleagues, city workers, elected officials, and residents.