National Police Week: Sergeant Russell Walton Reflects on 40 Years of Serving Students

FORT BEND ISD (May 14, 2026) – During National Police Week, Fort Bend ISD recognizes Sergeant Russell “Too Short” Walton for his decades of service, commitment and care for students and staff across the district. His legacy extends beyond law enforcement — it lives in the countless people he has impacted throughout the Fort Bend community.

For 40 years, Sergeant Russell Walton has dedicated his career to protecting, mentoring and supporting generations of FBISD students.

When asked what has kept him serving the district for four decades, his answer is simple: the children.

Looking back on his career, many of the students he once guided are now adults with families and careers of their own.

“I never thought I would have such an impact on so many lives when I started with the school district,” Sergeant Walton said.

Back in the 1980s at Willowridge High School, students gave him the nickname “Too Short.” While he admits he did not like it at first, the name stayed with him and was embraced by generations of students across the district.

“I hated that name with a passion,” he said. “But the late Principal Edgar Glover told me they gave me that name because that was their way of relating to me, and they could be calling me something worse if they didn’t like me. So, I just let it ride, and it stuck.”

Throughout his time in Fort Bend ISD, he has served at every high school in the district, building relationships with students and encouraging them to make positive choices.

“One thing that has always motivated me is teaching students to do the right thing,” Sergeant Walton said.

Over the years, former students have returned to thank him for helping change — and in some cases save — their lives. Those moments are among the most meaningful parts of his career.

Sergeant Walton said he takes great pride in seeing students grow into productive citizens and successful professionals, including many who have returned to FBISD to serve their own community. He is also proud to have worked alongside educators whose legacies now live on through schools named in their honor, such as Edgar Glover and Ronald Thornton.

“All I ever wanted was the best for Fort Bend ISD,” he said.