Officer Larry Heath

A veteran Birmingham police officer known for dancing his way into students' hearts was honored Friday in a rare celebration.

Ramsay High School, during the annual Play by The Rules program, paid tribute to Officer Larry Heath, a 28-year veteran of the Birmingham Police Department and a much-loved school resource officer for the past decade.

"We wanted to do something special for him,'' said Ramsay principal Cassandra Fells. "He is such an integral part of our family."

Heath last month was caught on video in an impromptu dance session with young city residents. The school resource officer stepped up on a city sidewalk and stepped out to rapper Blocboy JB's viral "shoot" dance.

He joined a community dance group called the Royal Diamond Dolls where they were practicing on a sidewalk in East Lake. "He just stopped and asked if he could dance with them,'' said assistant coach Jarquise Edwards. "He always does stuff like that and preaches positivity."

Heath taking time to stop and interact with the girls, she said, meant so much to her, the girls and the community at large. "It shows them they're here to help us,'' Edwards said.

Earlier this year, Health and a co-worker were shown on video dancing with students at Ramsay High School. Heath said at the time of that video that it's good for the public to see the relationship between the police and students, and between whites and blacks.

"Police have been seen in such a negative light, in particular the white police pertaining to the black community,'' said Heath. "We've got good white police officers and good black police officers, but nobody ever hears that."

On Friday, students, teachers, and teachers lauded Heath for his passion and dedication to not just the job, but to the students themselves. State Senator Rodger Smitherman presented Heath with a resolution, a state pin and a framed state flag.

"We are so blessed to have a person like Officer Heath in our midst,'' Smitherman said. "He knows students and their parents by their names. He is a true Renaissance man."

Student Kennedy Whisenant, the reigning Miss Birmingham Teen USA, said Heath always makes sure the kids have food, reliable transportation and a friendly ear. "He is a protector, role model, counselor and, yes, family,'' Whisenant said. "Because of your efforts, we feel protected in this learning environment."

"Officer Heath,'' said student JaColby Heggler, "is like the coolest cop in America."

Several administrators from other Birmingham high schools where Heath has previously worked were in attendance, including Huffman High School principal John Lyons and Wenonah High School assistant principal Michael Scott. They touted Heath's integrity, dedication, pride and commitment.

"As far as school resource officers go, he is the best I have ever worked with,'' Lyons said. "He advocates for children daily."

Heath was visibly touched by celebration in his honor. "For people of all walks of life to recognize what I do in the schools as well as the community is overwhelming,'' he said.