Officer Tim Tyler
10/4/2014
To understand the end you must first look at the beginning...I started as a cadet for the IUPD in August. The second week of August Kyle, another cadet for IUE, and myself attended cadet training in Bloomington. I was very nervous about the unknown aspect of this adventure. I was relieved to have Kyle there to help me navigate around the campus.We met all the cadets from Kokomo, South Bend and Bloomington, as well as our training officers for police academy. We were at cadet training for four days where we stayed in one of Bloomington's dorms. That was interesting! I was reassured with that experience that I was not meant to live in a dorm. I missed my kitchen! At cadet training we had sexual harassment training, diversity training, defensive tactics and a CPR class among other things. Defensive tactics was by far my favorite! We learned fourteen pressure points and performed them on our partner. In return the pressure points were performed on us. There was one pressure point in particular that I was especially sensitive to (the one on my forearm). On our last day we had a pt test at 6 in the morning. Captain Butler told us the day before that at least five of us would puke. I refused to be one of those people so I took proactive measures; I woke up at four a.m. and ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, this way my breakfast would not be for all to see.
A month and a half later...
One of my favorite things about being a cadet is being able to interact with and learn from the officers on our campus. Each comes with their own set of experiences and advice. All of which I appreciate and take to heart. Officer Tim Tyler taught me how to play pool and how to shine my boots. He gave me an individual lesson where I learned the secrets of boot shining. He also taught me to demonstrate my love for Jesus by seeing others and acknowledging them in passing. He challenged me to break out of my shell by introducing myself to others and engaging in conversation with all people at the university; faculty, staff, and students.Tuesday of this week was Officer Tim Tyler's retirement party. He was an officer at IUE for fifteen years but had a total of 45 years of service as a law enforcement officer. His retirement party was held in the community room which was overflowing with people who valued his friendship and his service to the university. Many people shared their warm thoughts of Tim. And I can't go without mentioning the amazing food! There was crab legs, crayfish, and peel and eat shrimp! The food was delicious thanks to the Den which catered the event! I'm sad to see him go. He is a wonderful mentor for many students on campus, including myself. I will miss spending my shifts by his side. I wish him a happy and healthy retirement!
