In the light of recent police shootings that have rocked the nation and brought about more tension between the black community and law enforcement, appreciation is being shown to officers who do police work and are loved by the communities they patrol.
Meet Officer Tommy Norman, a fun-loving police officer in North Little Rock, Arkansas that’s proving that not all cops are terrible and biased authority figures. The 18-year veteran is getting national attention thanks to the thousands of video clips of him being the picture perfect example of a good cop, an image rarely seen online and off.
From hanging out with the neighborhood kids, to collecting food, clothes, toys and donations, Officer Norman’s personal connection to the community he patrols is making him a social media favorite. The beloved cop’s social media accounts have grown substantially, courtesy of a few celebrity shout outs, including one from Taraji P. Henson. The Empire actress called Officer Norman a “great example of how police should interact with people in the community they police.”
The Game also started a GoFundMe page with a goal of $10,000. The rapper, who recently held a peaceful protest at the LAPD headquarters with Snoop Dogg, said he’s trying to raise money to “stuff Officer Norman’s trunk with toys, goodies, food and other things to help him continue contributing to the kids and people in Little Rock, Arkansas.”
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With nearly 20 years of experience on the force, Officer Norman says he believes in friending the community instead of “driving up and down the street for eight hours with your windows up” because that forms a disconnect. “Park that car, get out, walk the streets, sit on some front porches and get to know people and their stories” Norman advised his fellow officers last year. Adding, “Everyone has a story. I don’t care if there are two kids out or two hundred, get out & engage & become a friend. That’s the only true way that bridging the gap will take place.”
Check out some clips below of Officer Norman being not just a terrific officer, but an amazing human being!