DUMFRIES, Va. — Dumfries has a new police officer on its force — Recruit Police Officer Travis “Deshawn” Sims.
Earlier this month, Dumfries Police Chief Rebecca Edwards told the Town Council a little bit about their new police officer.
Here is the text of her unedited speech she delivered to elected officials:
Good Evening Mayor, Council Members, and Staff.
It is my pleasure to introduce to you the newest member of the Dumfries Police Department, Recruit Police Officer Travis “Deshawn” Sims.
Recruit Sims grew up in Union, South Carolina. He was raised by his grandparents, who raised hunting dogs to include blue tick hounds. He attended school through high school in Union as well.
After he graduated from high school, Recruit Sims enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served fifteen years in the Marine Corps and is a veteran having served three tours in Iraq, a tour in Kuwait and Somalia. While in the Marine Corps, he served as an Aircraft Maintenance Administrative Specialist and as a Supervisor. He also served as a Drill Instructor, Martial Arts Instructor, and Officer Candidate/Physical Training Instructor. His assignments and duties enabled him to gain experience in leadership, mentoring, training, supervision, and managing programs and subordinates.
When he left the Marine Corps, Recruit Sims entered the field of armed security as a supervisor and trainer. In this capacity, he occaisionally worked in the Town of Dumfries. As part of his duties while working in Dumfires, he had an incident where the police were called. When a Town of Dumfries Police Officer arrived; Officer Sims looked at the officer and commented, “Dumfries has a Police Department?”. He was interested in entering law enforcement and had recently applied at other departments; but he had not applied to Dumfries as he did not know we had a police department. After speaking with the officer that day, he decided to apply. He is interested in working in Dumfries as he grew up in a small community, likes that type of environment, and has a desire to serve in a small community.
In addition to his extensive military service and work experience, Recruit Sims is currently enrolled in Strayer University and is working toward his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Computer Forensic Science. Recruit Sims also speaks and understands some Spanish.
During Recruit Sims’ background investigation, everyone we spoke with commented they felt he would make a great law enforcement officer and each gave their positive recommendation “without hesitation”. Persons we spoke with described Recruit Sims as an honest, reliable, trustworthy person.
Officer Sims’ first day with the Town was yesterday. He is scheduled to begin the Prince William County Basic Law Enforcement Academy tomorrow.
We are very fortunate Recruit Sims chose to apply with our agency and know he wil be an positive, valuable asset to the Police Department and Town.
An additional note; Recruit Sims is the third Former Marine currently employed by our department.
