For nearly four decades, Eugene "Chicago" Turner Jr. has dedicated his life to protecting others. Now, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD security specialist is extending his commitment to safety beyond school hallways and into the homes of young readers with his new book, “Officer Chicago's Do's and Don'ts.”

Published on May 21 and illustrated by his son Geno, the book marks Turner's debut as an author. The inspiration to write sparked after an unexpected moment at school.

"Our librarian at McLaughlin Strickland Elementary asked me to read to a group of kids," Turner recalled. "It was exciting to see how engaged they were. I thought, 'If I can read someone else's book, why not write my own?'"

That experience prompted a year-long endeavor for Turner. He envisioned creating a book that would help elementary students navigate everyday challenges and empower them to make smart choices. To ensure it would resonate with a young audience, he collaborated with teachers, gathering insights into students' daily challenges and needs in the classroom. 

"In such a digital world, I think it's crucial that we still read books to our kids," he said. "It means so much and helps children truly understand the content."

Turner's passion for student safety stems from his extensive career in the security field. In 1988, he began as a private security and investigation officer on the South Side of Chicago, gaining real-world experience with teens and troubled youth. He moved to Texas in 2017, serving as an armed security officer at Texans Can Academy before joining CFBISD. 

Turner has worked as a security specialist at several campuses throughout the district including McLaughlin Strickland Elementary, Newman Smith High School and most recently Rainwater Elementary. He strives to educate students about safety on a daily basis, and even passes out stickers to those who lead by example.

"As security officers, it's crucial that we take the time to get to know our students and build connections," he said. "This is how you can tell when a student is off or something isn't right. For some, we could be the only person they feel comfortable coming to."

For Turner, this is just the beginning. He is already developing future books tailored specifically for middle and high school students. One project in the works, titled "It's Not How You Start, It's How You Finish," will delve into his personal high school experiences and the challenges he overcame.

"I think it’s necessary to share what I learned throughout high school," Turner explained. "Just because something may have started out bad doesn't mean it's over. You've got to pick yourself back up and do something about it." 

Turner dedicated "Officer Chicago's Do's and Don'ts" to educational staff — principals, teachers and fellow security officers — who work daily to shape young minds. The book embodies his lifelong dedication to fostering a secure learning environment for children. Through it, he hopes to empower students with essential life skills and encourage ongoing dialogue with the adults who guide them.

"Our kids need us," Turner stressed. "They're exposed to all kinds of things. It's important that we read to them, talk to them and teach them what to do. It's up to us to help students understand the difference between right and wrong."