I have many times said in my life, that being a police officer was a calling for me, very similar to that of a minister. I often joked that my first words were something relating to police work, because I have never wanted to do anything other than be a police officer. Growing up in a small western North Carolina town and being raised by my grandparents, I never imagined where my career would lead me, or what it had in store, but I knew that I wanted to grow and learn as much as I could. In 1996 at the age of 16, I along with a very close friend of mine (who too went on to work in law enforcement) founded the first Law Enforcement Explorer Post in our hometown. The program offered 16 young men and women from our local community with a very unique opportunity to work along-side the six-person department that served our community. The program provided me with ample knowledge of the profession, laws, call response, officer safety, and community policing/service. Shortly after graduating high school, I continued to pursue my goal of becoming a police officer, eventually attending Basic Law Enforcement Training at Southwestern Community College’s Public Safety Training Complex in Franklin,NC. One of the proudest moments in my life was having my mom (grandmother) present when I graduated the police academy and see me sworn in as a police officer. My career has been nothing short of a blessing. It has provided me with many unique opportunities that few are able to experience. In 2003 while working alone on the overnight shift, I apprehended Eric Robert Rudolph, one the FBI’s Top 10 Most Wanted and responsible for the death of a police officer in Alabama. With all of the notoriety, I remained humble and continued doing the job in which I loved to do. Eventually, through my continued professional growth, I was able to work in community policing as well as a School Resource Officer, Patrol Supervisor, Field Training Officer, Traffic Safety Officer, Detective, and Assistant Chief of Police. My career and personal life later lead me to Massachusetts, where I have held the rank of Police Officer, Sergeant, and now Lieutenant in the Bureau of Patrol Services.
All in all, I continue to grow personally and professionally each day, however I never forget where I came from, and who and what helped me along the way. The Law Enforcement Explorer Program certainly helped mold me and prepared me well for my way career. Remember, as it is said, “To Wear the Badge Is a Choice, But to Serve the Public Is an Honor”.
Are you a former Law Enforcement Explorer who has now gone on to a successful career in policing? If so, Discover Policing and the National Law Enforcement Exploring Alumni Association would like to hear from you! We are collecting and cataloging alumni success stories like this one to inspire a new generation of Explorers. Submit your story today.
Learn more about Law Enforcement Exploring and other opportunities for youth.
Learn more about Boston College (MA) Police Department at: http://www.bc.edu/offices/bcpd/