Rankin1220web

SALUTE
to First Responders
Why did you decide to be a policeman?
I started working at the police department in 2001 as a telecommunicator.
We were able to ride along with the officers during
that time. I started to see the positive impacts that our police
officers had on people that were going through what could be
possibly the hardest moments in their lives. I wanted to make
a positive impact as well. I grew up and went to school in Pearl
so I wanted to help the people in the city where I live.
How long have you been with the Pearl Police
Department?
February will make 20 years.
Tell us about your family.
I was born and raised in Pearl with amazing parents. I have one
older sister and one older brother. I have been married for four
years. We have a total of three children. We have a 21-year-old
special needs son and a 20-year-old daughter. We then started
over and have a 4-year-old daughter! The 4 year old is active in
gymnastics and keeps us super busy.
What is the toughest thing you have experienced in
your job?
I would say the toughest thing I have experienced is the loss of
life. It is our job to notify people when their loved ones are not
able to come home whether they were a victim of crime or a
victim in a car crash. As a crash receptionist, I have had to do
this more than I would ever care to. This part of the job never
gets any easier. It is heartbreaking and it stays with you.
Officer
Amanda
Thomasson
PEARL POLICE DEPARTMENT
Share some things you enjoy doing in your spare time.
I spend most of my spare time with my family. The 4 year old
keeps me busy between birthday parties, gymnastics, and playing
with Barbies or babies. During the week, I spend a good deal of
time at the office or in meetings so I try to make as much time
for her as I can on the weekends.
What are three things on your bucket list?
I would love to scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef. I would love
to learn to surf. I would also love to travel and visit the Seven
Wonders of the World.
64 • DECEMBER 2020