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SALUTE
to First Responders
Officer
Alex
Watson
FLOWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Why did you decide to be a policeman?
I honestly did not choose law enforcement as my first career.
I enjoyed being able to help people and first started off as a
volunteer fireman. I thought being a fireman was my way to help
others. After going through EMT school and not being able to find
a full-time fireman job, I rode with a close friend that was a police
officer. After riding one night, I knew that was a way that I could
give back and help others. Less than two weeks later, I was hired
and haven’t looked back since. It was obvious, God chose this path.
How long have you been with the Flowood PD?
Since January 2012.
Tell us about your family.
I am happily married with two kids.
What is the toughest thing you’ve experienced in your job?
I am sure many will agree in this line of work that death, by any
means, is the hardest. Police are always the first on the scene of
many fatalities. As an officer, you must learn to treat it as work
and leave work at work.
Share some things you enjoy doing in your spare time.
I am an avid hunter and fisherman. I also enjoy working on cars
and racing in my spare time.
What are three things on your bucket list?
Would like to go on a duck hunting trip in Argentina and
take my kids to Disney World. But most importantly, just
spend more time with my kids.
Who is someone you admire and why?
He probably doesn’t know this, but Ben Schuler. He was my
first police chief and a great leader. He has been a longtime
family friend and role model. He’s a god-fearing man that
has always trusted God to make his path. I can say he and
his family have always been there when needed.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young person,
what would it be?
Best advice I could give, put the phone down. Live life in person.
Stay off social media platforms and spend more time with family.
You will regret the time missed. Live life for today, not tomorrow.
What is your favorite thing about the City of Flowood?
The family feeling you get here. Everyone is treated as family
and is quick to help anyway they can.
What is your favorite thing about Rankin County?
That feeling of safety. It is great to know that we have a county that
will always go over and beyond to keep people safe, regardless of
whether they live here or are just passing through.
24 • JANUARY 2022