SAPD Officer Gladys Williams

Summary: I was born in Wynne, AR but was raised in Memphis TN. I am the oldest of 3, I have a younger sister (deceased) and a younger brother. I also lost my mother. I attended Central High School (The High School) and Tennessee State University. I have a bachelors degree in Biology/Chemistry. I ran track for the Tennessee Tigerbelles. I am a member of Alpha Phi Omega ( the largest service organization in the World). The main people to influence me where not only my family members other people in my community. I come from a family with a lot military background so somehow I was probably bound to become an officer but I never wanted to join the military, hence the reason I went to college. I was always drawn to the criminal justice system even as a kid.  I did not initially have being a police officer as my first option. Initially I wanted to be a lawyer but after having a chance to do mock trials and other activities in grade school I was turned away. I then turned my focus on the scientific aspect of the criminal just system and wanted to be involved in forensic science DNA analysis, hence my degree. After graduating I found it hard to get into the field as qualifications change and I did not know anyone in the field. After sometimes I was given an idea to become a police officer from a police officer in Memphis TN. I then applied and the rest is history. It was a bumpy road to get where I am today but honestly I would not change anything.<br><br>I decided to apply with SAPD because at the time looking at other department it stuck out as the best. I knew I wanted to be in Texas. The application process was an ease and the turnaround was fairly quick. As I was applying for the department I can say there was outside forces that would attempt to hinder my process. While I was in San Antonio for a week someone (many people) broke into my apartment and just about stole everything. I was devastated but it actually made me want to leave and get this career even more. After being accepted I packed my two bags and took the greyhound bus to San Antonio. Little did I know how big San Antonio was compared to Memphis. I did not have a car at the time so I decided maybe its time for me to learn to catch the bus. Let’s just say 1604 is Long! Somehow the word got out that I did not have a stable mode of transportation to and from the academy. I was in class one day and was beckoned out of class, immediately I was terrified trying to remember if I messed up and did something that would merit punishment. However there was a police couple standing outside the door. I was asked questions, I cant remember from being so nervous. The I was handed a key. I immediately denied the key as I knew it wasn’t mine. They then insisted that I take the key and go outside to make sure a vehicle was operable and if so I could use it to get to and from the academy…. It works….. I cried!..... A LOT! From that day people of this department have shown me what being a “brother or sister in blue” really meant. <br><br>Through I can not name individually every person or officer who has done more than what their duty calls, I am consistently being influence by wonderful, giving, loving people.<br><br>For more interviews visit: <a href="http://www.iamrefocusedradio.com" rel="noopener">www.iamrefocusedradio.com</a><br><br>Radio Sponsor: DOCUmation is a family-owned technology solutions company that provides IT, print, and software-managed services to business and other organizations throughout Texas. Headquartered in San Antonio, TX, our company has been serving customers for nearly 30 years.<br><br><a href="https://www.mation.com/who-we-are/" rel="noopener">https://www.mation.com/who-we-are/</a><br><br>Podcast Sponsors:<br><br>Rockafellas Barber Shop San Antonio<br><br>Rico Rodriguez (Owner)<br><br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/Rockafellas-Barber-Shop-105026620034718/?ref=page_internal"></a>