SISD Police Cultivates Homegrown Officer

Seven months ago, Richard Jenkins took a leap of faith. He was in his third year as a safety monitor at Sherman Middle School, but he wanted to do something more.

After a conversation with his wife Brandi, who is a Piner Middle School teacher, he decided to join the Texoma Regional Police Academy.

“I always knew I wanted to serve,” Jenkins said.

He discussed joining the Academy with SISD Police Department Chief Heath Wester, and the department agreed to sponsor Jenkins and to hire him upon successful completion of the program.

“It just made sense,” Wester said. “Sherman ISD wants to grow our own and as we continue to expand, we wanted to support someone known for fostering positive relationships as an employee.”

Over the course of his time in the Academy, Jenkins would be strained mentally and physically by rigorous training totaling more than 800 hours, and at times, he doubted himself.

However, Jenkins’ perseverance pushed him forward, and with support from his family and the police department, he graduated April 1 from the Texoma Regional Police Academy with his peace officer certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. All SISD police officers are hired with their certification, and he was sworn in by Wester during the ceremony.

“I’m feeling a whirlwind of emotions,” Jenkins said after the ceremony. “A lot of times I didn’t think I’d make it, but I’m glad to be back at Sherman.”

Wester was the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony for Jenkins’ Cadet Class #110, which had a 96% grade average and a 100% pass rate on the state licensing exam. In his speech at Grayson College, Wester stressed that an officer’s job is about responsibility, service and doing what’s right.

“The badge will never just sit on your chest. It will live in your heart, and it will test your character,” Wester said. “Start building relationships early. Trust isn’t built during a crisis. It’s built long before one ever happens.”

Jenkins will begin orientation at Sherman High School for the rest of the school year before being assigned to a campus. His hiring brings the department up to 10 officers, which will further enhance coverage and safety across the district.

“I’m super excited, and I know a lot of the kids at the high school,” Jenkins said. “Working with the students has been an unexpected pleasure, and I can’t wait to get back.”