Officer Joey Davis, University of Texas at Tyler Police Department

My name is Joey Davis, and I have been with the University of Texas at Tyler Police Department for 20 years. Prior to University Law Enforcement, I served in the U.S. Army for 6 years. I am a 1996 graduate of East Wake High School in Wendell, NC. I knew that I wanted to do something more with my life, so shortly after graduation, I joined the U.S. Army and the Military Police Corps., receiving my basic training at Fort McClellan, AL in 1997.

After joining the Army, I conducted law enforcement operations all over the world. I had the privilege of enforcing the laws of the Uniform Code of Military Justice in South Korea, near the Demilitarized Zone with North Korea. There, I provided search and recovery operations on a downed Blackhawk helicopter, receiving an Army Achievement Medal. After Korea, I redeployed to what is now called Fort Cavazos, TX, where I provided patrol operations on post. I also deployed to multiple locations around the world, conducting law enforcement patrols in Hungary, Croatia, and Bosnia during Operation Joint Forge. After September 11, 2001, I deployed for specialized training preparing for my final deployment, I deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After my last deployment, my wife and family life became a priority. We now have two children, a girl and boy, both in college.

Due to family life and stability, my army service concluded receiving an honorable discharge, beginning my current endeavor and long career with the UT System Police in 2003. I initially began as a Public Safety Officer and then a Cadet. I became a graduate of the 78^th Basic Training Class from the UT System Police Academy. After working on patrol for a few years, I was given the opportunity to take over the Property and Evidence section of the police department. I created an entirely new system of cataloging and inventorying the property, managing the Property and Evidence function for 11 years.

During my time with UT Tyler Police Department, I obtained an associate degree in criminal justice from Kilgore College, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler. I am a Law Enforcement Instructor and have a passion for teaching. Currently, I am the School Resource Officer at the University Academy in Longview, TX. This follows my passion to make a difference in the lives of the next generation, and when I retire, to continue teaching today’s youth. I would like to thank my leadership, Chief Mike Medders, Assistant Chief Bradley Standerfer, and Lieutenant Stuart Alexander for this opportunity provided to me, allowing me, to continue having an impact in the next generation of young adults.

I am truly humbled by the honor of being Officer of the Month. It’s a reminder to me that we can and should make a positive difference in the lives of others when we get the opportunity. This job and lifestyle that we lead can be challenging to us and our families at times, but if we allow it to, it can also be rewarding, and world changing.