While others might have ‘nope-d’ their way out of the situation, School Resource Officer Will Stearns demonstrated exceptional dexterity and a remarkable lack of concern for future social engagements. Faced with a dire situation, a skunk trapped, head-first, in a styrofoam cup, Officer Stearns bravely intervened.

“It’s a one in a billion thing. It’s funny and cute so I thought I should tell everybody about this,” principal Edgar Nelson said.

This story begins during a chilly morning on April 2 at the Liberty parking lot. A stinky little critter stomps across the gravel in search of its next meal. The black-and-white striped skunk burrows its head into a Chick-fil-A bag and chows down on some meager leftovers. Next, it moves on to its drink. As luck would have it, this skunk’s head got trapped in a slushie cup. 

The skunk blindly wanders around the parking lot, confused and scared. The early-arrivers and teachers get scared and start to flee from the scene, not wanting to face the wrath of the stink spray. 

This is where the hero of our story comes in.

“I just pulled into the parking lot, about 6:15 in the morning. I saw a skunk with a Chick-fil-A cup stuck to its head. So, I decided, well, I can’t just let it go. I’m gonna have to help it,” Officer Stearns said. 

After contemplating all his life’s decisions, he put some gloves on and snatched the cup right off the creature’s head. Luckily, in a series of events, he came out unscathed. 

“Fear is a good motivator. Just take that leap and go for it,” Stearns said. So, Officer Stearns slowly walked up to the skunk, yanked the cup off, and ran in one direction while the skunk went the opposite way.

“I couldn’t just let the poor thing wander around and get hit by a car or wander out in traffic,” Stearns said. 

This wasn’t the only time Stearns was involved in saving the lives of helpless animals. He once rescued a dozen turtles. They’re usually in the middle of the roadway, prone to danger.

Officer Will Stearns, a good samaritan, a great friend, and a kind-hearted police officer is exactly the kind of person we need to see more of in this day and age.

“He’s a good guy, I respect him. He’s serious in all the right ways and he’s a good man,” Nelson said.

This story was originally published on LHStoday on April 16, 2025.