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| Newly licensed Peace Officer, Teddy Sims addresses his graduating class at Angelina Police Academy. Sims graduated with honors. |
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I have recently had the privilege of working with a young man who has wanted to be in law enforcement since he was a very young boy. Teddy Sims was determined and went into the Angelina College Law Enforcement Academy and graduated with honors and awards on Friday June 12. I just want to give some recognition where it's due. Lately, social media, news media and just about everything that's in our face daily is negative (and those negative people seem to be getting so much attention, regardless if it's negative or not). It's pretty depressing. Now it's time to give some positive attention to a positive person who has impacted those around him, especially me. He doesn't even know I'm doing this so you will probably read this before he does. It's very rare that you come across a young person who has so much respect for others and goes out of his way to help people. Not because Teddy has to, but because he wants to, and it gives him pleasure. Teddy has been my fellow dispatcher for about a year now, and when there were times that someone was in need of something, maybe they had a flat tire or they locked their keys in their car, Teddy would step up to help. Everyone knows that dispatchers cannot leave their station. At times you don't have an officer available to help, so you just feel helpless. That's the kind of person Teddy is. When he would get off duty and someone needed something, if he could help, he would. For a while he was my relief at 11pm, and every night, without fail, he would walk me to my car. I recently spoke with his father (Bert Sims) who, by the way, is a Polk County Deputy. I told him he must be very proud and that he did a great job raising Teddy. He was humbled. He smiled and said that Teddy and his sisters pretty much raised themselves. I could see the pride in his eyes though, every time he talked about him. Someone asked of his dad on graduation day if he was excited for Teddy, he said yes and no. I could definitely understand the no part. In a time where there are so many people against law enforcement and wanting harm to come to them why wouldn't he say no. It's very scary. Law enforcement is a passion for most, that's why they do it. It's certainly not for the pay. I've always believed that police and teachers are not paid nearly what they're worth. Teddy Sims, it is a joy to call you my friend, and I want you to succeed in your life choices. Actually, I want you to do more than succeed. You have already proved your determination and have worked hard to get to the next chapter in your life. You are going to make a fine officer. You have the support and prayers of your family and friends which is a lot more than some people have, so consider yourself blessed. Hats off to you Officer Sims and by the way, that uniform makes your butt look big (inside joke).
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