Madison121web

SALUTE
to First Responders
Why did you decide to be a policeman?
I believe public service is a calling that comes from a higher power,
but I have always had the urge to help others and do my part to help
make the community a better and safer place to live and raise a family.
Working in law enforcement allows me to answer that calling and
make those contributions to this wonderful city.
How long have you been with the Madison Police
Department?
I have served on the Madison Police Department for eight years.
My current assignment is in the patrol division, where I serve as the
patrol commander. Before coming to Madison, I served four years as
an officer for the Gulfport Police Department.
Officer
Marcus
OSTER
MADISON POLICE DEPARTMENT
Tell us about your family.
I am married to my best friend and soulmate, Jordan, the mother of
our two children. We have a beautiful, smart, and sassy seven-year-old
daughter and a very active and loving one-year-old son. I became a
blessed father in 2017 when our daughter, who was four at the time,
came into my life. My mother was born in Colombia, South America.
Her father, a physician who dreamt of practicing medicine in the
United States, moved to Mississippi when my mother was five years
old. My mother specialized in neonatal nursing as well as labor and
delivery. My paternal grandfather, who was a locomotive engineer,
was transferred to Mississippi when my father was twelve years old.
My father, who is currently serving as chief deputy for a nearby
agency, has been in law enforcement for thirty-six years. He also
served as a police advisor in Afghanistan for two years. My two
younger brothers and I have answered the call to serve the public
by pursuing careers in law enforcement. Both are currently assigned
to the investigation divisions of their agencies in South Mississippi.
My only sister pursued a career in education. She is a kindergarten
teacher in South Mississippi and was recently selected as teacher
of the year for her district.
What is the toughest thing you have experienced
in your job?
I would venture to say that for most in this profession, the toughest
thing to experience is the encounters we make with children who
are affected by crime.
Share some things you enjoy doing in your
spare time.
I enjoy spending my spare time making memories with my family.
I also enjoy traveling and the adventures of the great outdoors.
42 • JANUARY 2021