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Community Safety And Empathy

by | Oct 2024

FROM THE early morning hours to the late-night calls, Russel Myers’ life revolves around the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department. His career began in jails, but his determination thrust him to the front lines. Since 2020, through persistent focus, he has climbed the ranks, transitioning from a job as a corrections officer (CO) to the unpredictable challenges of patrolling the county. Now, as a road officer, he’s the face of law enforcement for countless Coffee County residents. 

“I’ve been with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department since 2020,” he began. “I started off as a CO and then worked my way up to a shift lead, which led to a corporal and eventually to a road officer. For personal growth, it has made me feel more involved in my community and has definitely made me more social.” 

As a corporal, Myers was responsible for overseeing “Shift A.” A corporal runs a specific shift and keeps things organized. He handled all tasks, such as haircuts, laundry, library duties, and many other chores. If inmates needed anything, he made sure they got it. 

Myers overflows with knowledge and continues to expand and evolve each day. According to Myers, a career in law enforcement requires unique skills that offer exciting opportunities for personal and professional growth. It’s important to be quick on your feet, adapt to constantly changing situations, and maintain physical prowess. 

Most importantly, you need strong interpersonal skills. Knowing the line between sympathy and empathy is paramount. Myers explained that empathy is essential in this line of work, and it’s taught early in training. 

Being a police officer is filled with endless possibilities. Every day is unique, offering varied experiences, chances to make a difference, and important lessons. 

Describing a typical day as a police officer, Myers said, “Every day is different, from patrolling the county to all the different kinds of calls and incidents and accidents to assisting people having motor vehicle issues to serving civil papers. There’s no telling what you’re going to do that day.” 

One of the most fulfilling aspects of Myers’ job is creating positive experiences for citizens. He understands that many individuals have had negative encounters with law enforcement, and it’s truly rewarding when they express how he has made them feel safer. 

“So many times, people — at first — are very hesitant, and they tell you later how they’ve had a bad experience with an officer. But then they come around, and they’ll tell you that you put them more at ease.” 

On the other hand, Myers acknowledges that some individuals are more challenging to reassure. 

“Not everyone gets a positive experience with an officer, so that’s really a challenge to hurdle through when on calls and stuff because it’s so hard to break through that threshold of their expectations or their thoughts on that officer to how you really are.” 

Myers tries to find new ways to interact with citizens outside and during his work shifts to help make the community more comfortable and feel safer around officers. 

George Dodson, Myers’ cousin who works for the Tullahoma Police Department, inspired him to become a police officer. 

“Seeing him in uniform and how he balanced law enforcement with being a family man inspired me. He always inspired me.” 

Empathy is just the beginning for Myers. He frequently visits schools, giving kids a positive introduction to the police. He also participates in local community events and activities. Recently, he attended an event at Chick-fil-A, where he interacted with children through coloring and shared meals. Myers firmly believes in building healthy relationships with the community’s children because they are the future. 

Myers hopes to continue growing in his career and contributing to the community for the foreseeable future. 

“I want to continue to gain more knowledge and continue bettering myself so that I can grow in my department and for the community. The more that we’re able to grow as officers, the more we will pour into the community as well.” 

Myers has been involved in athletics since his days at Moore County High School in Lynchburg. His athletic abilities have helped him become the versatile, physically adept, and dependable law enforcement officer he is today. His background in football and tennis has helped him maintain the physical fitness required for the job and ultimately helped him meet the academy’s physical demands. 

He’s grateful for his strong support system, particularly Sheriff Chad Partin and other leaders within the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, for helping him become a better and more competent officer. 

“He gave me the opportunity to help my community, as well as other other people in the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department like lieutenants and captains.” 

Outside of the department’s doors, Myers is a bridge-builder, building stronger relationships with residents — especially the youth — in a way that transcends traditional law enforcement operations. GN 

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