by Charlene Holmes
As children, we are told that the policeman is your friend and when in distress, seek a man in blue. There are times when people do bad things and have to be incarcerated or are fined for a driving violation. All of a sudden, the good guys in blue turn into bad guys.
Sgt. Evans Reed, Jr., Community Services Division Supervisor for the Bessemer Police Department said, “We want to bridge the gap by strengthening the relationship between the Bessemer Police Department and the citizens of Bessemer.”
He explained, “While our job is to serve and protect the public, we do more than just write tickets and put people in jail. We also help with flat tires and assist in domestic violence cases.”
Sgt. Reed said he has been a policeman for almost 20 years. Fifteen of those years have been served with the Bessemer Police Department.
As Community Services Supervisor, Sgt. Reed does just what his job title implies. He is responsible for all school D.A.R.E. officers, four civilians, oversees Neighborhood Watch, Kids and Cops Day and National Night Out. He elaborated, “National Night Out is held on the first Tuesday in August right before school starts.”
Recently, the Bessemer Police Department sponsored a halloween activity for the city of Bessemer. “We estimate between 1500-2000 people attended. We wanted our children to enjoy Halloween in a safe, controlled environment. They came out in spite of the rain and stood in line waiting to enter the Haunted House. Many volunteers helped to make this event happen by volunteering between 3-6 hours in the haunted house, grilling hot dogs and hamburgers and in other ways.”
“As a whole, it made the city look good. It’s never about me, but it’s about doing positive things for the kids.”
Sgt. Reed credits “(social) media – Facebook, flyers, and good connections for the Halloween turnout.” He said overall, they plan to do the same thing next year.
He continued, “The Bessemer Police Department is heavily involved with charitable organizations such as the March of Dimes, United Way and Special Olympics.”
“We support the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program which assists families with toy purchases during the Christmas Season,” according to Sgt. Reed.
He said some Bessemer Police Department employees have adopted children for whom to fill Christmas Wish Lists.”
He said he likes his job because he loves serving the public.
“I decided what I wanted to become when I was a Freshman in High School. After serving six years in the Army, I knew it was time to fulfil my dream and become a police officer.”
Sgt. Reed advised students to “start early in elementary school by studying hard and learning all that they can learn about everything.”
He continued, “High School students need to have a game plan and career goals. Go to college or find a trade,” he suggested.
“We’ll always need tradesmen. Don’t just depend on School Counselors. The Internet has become a valuable asset to us. Research Scholarship opportunities and find ways to earn tuition online. It certainly won’t be easy, but it won’t be impossible to attain your goals if you stay focused and stay positive.”
Sgt. Reed admitted, “I am looking forward to passing this torch on to someone else when I retire in a few years.”
He said for fun, he spends time with his wife of 12 years and 10-year-old daughter. “We love to travel. We’ve been on cruises and to Disney World numerous times. Every year around May, we go to Destin, Florida. My wife likes the malls. My daughter enjoys the beach and I love the relaxation.”
“I also love to watch college football and I am a big ‘Bama fan. Roll Tide!!
