Serving OUR Why did you decide to be a policeman? I grew up in a small town, Bay Springs, Mississippi, where life was simple and safe. After moving to Jackson in the early 80s, marrying, and having a baby girl, I wanted that same safe, free-from-crime atmosphere for my child and all others. I felt I could not demand or expect a safe environment if I wasn’t willing to give some effort to that expectation. Becoming a policeman was my offer to my community for a safe environment. How long have you been with the Brandon Police Department? Four years. Tell us about your family. My wife Pam attended high school in Hinds County, graduating from Forest Hill High School, then attended Hinds Jr. College and USM where she majored in music. She is a wonderful pianist, homemaker, and mother. Having worked most of her adult life in the accounting profession as assistant to the managing partner, first with Arthur Andersen, then with Haddox Reid, she retired four years ago and is now home for good. My daughter, Madison Wallace, graduated high school from Copiah Academy in 2006, attended Co-Lin Community College, and then attended USM for her B.S. in English Literature, graduating in 2010. She then attended graduate school at Mississippi College and now works as a proposal writer for local attorneys. My son-in-law, Clint Wallace, is a chief warrant officer with the MS Army National Guard and flies helicopters. He is a graduate of Delta State. Share some things you enjoy doing in your spare time. My spare time is devoted to my family and our home. I also enjoy yard work, some hunting, and helping others. PATROLMAN Robert F. Thomas BRANDON POLICE DEPARTMENT What is the toughest thing you have experienced in your job? Child abuse and domestic cases have always been extremely difficult for me as a father and a husband. Facing the sad faces of a family who have been abused and rejected by an adult is a travesty. The family is the basic unit for our national reputation and should, at all costs, be protected and well provided for. What are three things on your bucket list? Number one on my bucket list is building a workshop for me and my wife. We plan to do woodworking crafts after retirement. Second, I plan to escort my wife to an André Rieu concert in Amsterdam. Third, work the first event at Brandon’s new Amphitheater this coming spring. Where do you see yourself ten years from now? I see myself fully retired, looking back at my life with satisfaction, knowing I gave with my soul, body, and spirit. Who is someone you admire and why? I admire so many people it is difficult to single a person out. I will say that Donald J. Trump as the President of the United States is currently high on my list. He is focused on the greatness of America, he is determined to lift the average American out of the status quo, and he believes in our Republic, the American dream, and the American culture. In his eyes, all Americans are great. If you could give one piece of advice to a young person, what would it be? Believe in yourself and your dreams. Don’t expect someone else to make your dreams come true. You must be willing to do the tough things in life in order to fully enjoy the pleasant things in life. What is a favorite childhood memory? My fondest childhood memory is the simple life. Having fun with friends during the day and knowing I had a safe warm environment to return to after the day ended. What is the biggest mistake you think young people make today? I do believe a great mistake young people make today is failure to believe in oneself. No one can do for another the things one is unwilling to do for oneself. What is your favorite thing about the City of Brandon? My favorite thing about Brandon is its citizenry. I have been across this nation and have seen, in only a few locations, the beauty and majesty of the greater Brandon community. If you think about it, it is plain to see; the residents and visitors of Brandon are simply relaxed and focused. Families are safe and the community is vibrant and growing. 32 • Spring 2018
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