Offices - Police Hero

Close up of a UT System Police Badge, with text on the side of the image: Office of the Director of Police

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Olimpia Morales, UT Tyler - Featured Officer of the Month

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Officer of the Month
Olimpia Morales
Olimpia Morales

 

I would like to start by saying that it is an honor and a privilege to be part of the UT System family of law enforcement. Thank you for the opportunity to pursue my dream career.  I have worked very hard to be a police officer, one with honor and integrity.  It is an honor to be the UT System Police Officer of the Month.
Ever since I was a small child I wanted to be a police officer.  At age 14 I was a freshman in high school, and was introduced to the Tyler Police Explorers Post 310. I owe a lot of appreciation to all the wonderful City of Tyler police officers who took their time off their busy schedules to be explorer advisors.  And all the other officers who took time to come and teach us these techniques and law enforcement subjects that have come in handy in my police career.  I left the Tyler Police Explorers with a rank of Lieutenant at age 21.  
I was also in John Tyler’s High school Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Army (JROTC). My sophomore year in high school I was a cadet, my junior year I ranked First Sergeant and my senior year Executive Officer.
In 2006, I graduated from Tyler Junior College with four associates in; Criminal Justice, Foreign Language-Spanish, General Studies, and Core Complete.  I went on to The University of Texas at Tyler and graduated with a double Bachelor’s degree; Criminal Justice and Spanish in 2012.  I graduated from the Tyler Police Academy in November of 2012 and graduated from the UT System Lateral Academy April 2015.  I worked approximately two years with Tyler Junior College Police Department.  I also have worked as a Dispatcher and PSO.
During my career I have attended many courses, including S.W.A.T. training.   I hold an intermediate certification.  Just last week I finished the Field Training Officer course and I’m eager to continue to grow in my career.  Currently I hold the top gun for firing qualifications for my department.   
Outside of work, I enjoy art, shooting, and my precious time with my kids and family.  Thanks to God for blessing me with my mom, dad, and siblings that have always being there for me. Thanks to my children for being good kids, I work hard to set a good example for them.
I worked hard to become a police officer and I’ve came long way from an ugly divorce in 2007 and being a single mom to recently being promoted to Sergeant. 
I’ll take a little time now to say, with hard work and effort you can achieve anything your heart desires just don’t ever give up and do not let anyone tell you can’t do it.
So thanks again so much to everyone who put their life on the line to protect others.  Thanks for all you do, you make a difference don’t ever forget that.