When Officer Sean Dodge of the Modesto Police Department laces up his running shoes, it’s not just for fitness. It’s for the future.
Dodge, known simply as “Officer Sean” to students, has been a fixture in Modesto City Schools since 2016, building bridges between law enforcement and the community through running. What started as personal training for a marathon in full police gear has evolved into a program that engages hundreds of students in meaningful ways—both on the track and in life.
The initiative began when a teacher saw Dodge running in uniform and invited him to the school to address misconceptions about law enforcement.
“We love having people from the community at our school interacting with our students, and Officer Sean has been a great fit,” said Levi Hanzel-Sello, a teacher at Fremont Elementary School who runs with the group. “The students immediately connected with him, and beyond running, his presence has helped build trust and break down barriers between kids and law enforcement.”
From there, the outreach grew and eventually became a state-funded program under California’s Violence Intervention and Prevention (Cal-VIP) grant. Today, Dodge works with 17 schools within the district, leading before- and after-school running programs that intertwine physical activity with character-building discussions.
At Shackelford Elementary, Principal Erica Del Toro has witnessed firsthand the positive impact of Dodge’s presence on campus. Whether he’s chatting with them in the hallways, stopping by classrooms, or running alongside them, Dodge builds trust through genuine, everyday interactions.
“Officer Dodge has a way of connecting with students that makes them feel seen, heard, and valued,” Del Toro said. “Students have learned valuable character traits and life skills that will help them become responsible, contributing members of society. Officer Dodge has created a sense of safety, respect, and community that extends far beyond the school day. He’s transformed the way students view law enforcement.”
For the students, Officer Sean isn’t just a cop—he’s a coach, a mentor, and a reminder that with determination, anything is possible.
“We start with a conversation about real-life skills,” Dodge explained. “If the district’s monthly character trait is civility, we’ll talk about good eye contact, active listening, and showing respect. Then, we run. The goal is to get kids thinking beyond the track—to life, challenges, and how to navigate them.”
Dodge’s impact goes beyond running laps. Through the “Healthy Room Project," he collaborates with teachers and administrators to identify students in need, providing essentials like beds, desks, and dressers. To date, more than 300 children nationwide, including 78 in Modesto alone, have received new furnishings—transforming not just rooms but lives.
A defining moment for Dodge’s commitment came when a father, marked by life’s challenges, approached him after a school run.
“Thanks for supporting my kid,” the father said. “I wish I had something like this when I was growing up.”
For Dodge, moments like these reinforce the importance of connection over enforcement.
The “10K with a Cop” program, an annual culmination of months of training and mentorship, is now a cornerstone event in Modesto, drawing hundreds of students and community members each year. The impact of Dodge’s presence in schools has been tangible— his work contributes to rising attendance rates, decreasing disciplinary incidents, and stronger relationships between law enforcement and families.
Dodge acknowledges the broader significance of his mission.
“It’s about showing these kids that they matter, that they have someone who believes in them,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s not about me—it’s about what we can build together.”
To learn more about “10K with a Cop,” which takes place on March 8, run on over to check out their website by CLICKING HERE.
