Happy retirement, daddy.
For as long as I can remember, my dad's name has always been associated with being a police officer. As a kid, I didn't realize how unique his position was or how important he truly was to his community.
We were raised to be respectful and kind to everyone; never knowing the secret struggles he faced as a decorated officer in a rural southern town. When dad retired in 2021, he was the departments first black officer to retire, first black detective, first black inspector, first black lieutenant, and second black sergeant. That alone speaks volume for the kind of man he is and how much respect others have for him.
As an adult, in private conversations, he shared it wasn't always easy but he was determined to finish the job he started in 1988.
Our small town in Tennessee had a history of racism and segregation, much like other areas in the south. Daddy never shared in specific details anything he personally encountered while at the department but did share he knew what it felt like to be discriminated by the color of his skin. I can only imagine what it feels like for him to be in this position.
To everyone else he's Reggie, but to my sister and I- he's a hero. It's his confidence and level-headed thinking that I admire the most.
He now spends his days doing what he loves most - anything outdoors! Daddy loves fishing, hunting, and fixing things! He's become a graduate of YouTube University and our personal mechanic.
He's the true definition of what determination looks like and I'm so happy to be his baby girl. I'm thankful he continues to be celebrated by our community even after retirement as a man of integrity and perseverance.