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TVHS police sergeant helps those in need

Police Sgt. Toy Williams was paired with a family of three at the Shop with a Cop event in Clarksville, TN. (Courtesy photo from Clarksville Now)
Police Sgt. Toy Williams was paired with a family of three at the Shop with a Cop event in Clarksville, TN. (Courtesy photo from Clarksville Now)

Despite being medically discharged from the Army, Tennessee Valley Healthcare (TVHS) Police Sergeant and Veteran Toy Williams still yearned to serve his country.

“I still had the need to serve my country,” said Williams. “I thought, ‘what better way to serve than to protect the lives of those who have served this country.”

Williams began working at TVHS in December 2018, and within five months of his employment found his calling.

“I was speaking with Clarksville Detective Dennis Honholt one day and he told me about a community event called ‘Cops and Bobbers,’” said Williams. “This is an event where families and officers get together and show kids how to fish. I had a great time interacting with the families and other law enforcement agencies.”

In that moment, Williams realized how meaningful the events were to him and his community. Williams said he would always be the first to sign-up, so when Williams learned about Clarksville’s “Shop with a Cop” event he couldn’t wait.

“Shop with a Cop” is an annual holiday shopping event that pairs 135 children and their family members with local officers. The event is sponsored by the Clarksville Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Clarksville Police Union, Fraternal Order of Police, Clarksville Police Department Explorer Post 540, Citizens Police Academy Alumni, and Mission BBQ. Children and families with the greatest need were selected by the Clarksville-Montgomery

“I was paired with a family of three, so I helped the mother keep track of the totals and wrote down the prices,” said Williams. “It was an amazing experience to be able to walk around with this family and help them pick out presents. You could see on their faces the joy and happiness that it brought them. It made me feel good and proud to be there and help in their happiness.”

Williams said the goal behind programs like this is to create open communication with the community and show that the job is not about arresting people or writing tickets.

“We want to help the community by giving back,” said Williams. “These events are so important because we strive to improve the relationship with the community. I look forward to the next community event and will be the first to volunteer.”

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