June 3, 2019
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Name of Officer: Sergeant Jacky Hiles Education: Graduated from Ore City HS. He was in the Army. After being honorably discharged from the military he attended Kilgore Jr. College and Sam Houston State University. He attended and graduated from East Texas Police Academy. Home town: Ore City, Tx Prior job experience if any: Reserve Officer Ore City, Texas. Then, went to work full-time at Gilmer PD, Daingerfield, and then Longview PD in 1985. How do you feel when you put on your uniform each day? I feel privileged and honored to be able to serve the community. What is a misconception you have seen that the public have about the Police? I don’t feel that the public really understands how many “hats” police officers wear on a daily basis. Through my years of experience, the job description and details have changed. When I was a kid, I met a sheriff and I talked to him and I really liked what he said to me about staying in school, not getting into trouble, and making your parents proud when I grow up. Being in the military really brought home “service to our community” and being able to keep law and order in check. That police officers abuse their power. In over 40 years of police work, I have not experienced this. Not that there are not bad apples out there, but I personally haven’t experienced this. Unfortunately, with social media things can be blown out of proportion very quickly. As a Police officer, what do you want your legacy to be? I hope that during my time at the PD I was a role model for officers to honor the badge and always do what is good and honest. What was one of your toughest days on the job. It was in 1980.
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That day a gunman came in and slaughtered innocent people and a child at the First Baptist Church in Daingerfield, Texas. I was the only officer on duty that fateful day. How does your family feel about you being a police officer? They understand now, but it has been tough over the years. Police officers work long hours and the work is very stressful, how do you like to relax? When I have time, I like to work on my Camaros and go to car shows. I like to spend time with my family, including my wife, 4 children, and 6 grandchildren. If you could go back in time and tell your younger self one thing what would it be? Take education more seriously, it is very important in this job, especially the longer you are in this profession. In a time when pop culture encourages not co-operating with police officers, can you expand on the dangers this causes? We have to continue to work on trust in our community. We want citizens to realize they are important to us and the job we do. It’s a two-way street and both sides need to cooperate. Don’t be reluctant to help out when we need it. As a champion of the community and symbol of justice how can we as a community better support the police? Get ALL the facts and wait to make an educated decision on a situation. Investigations take time to do a good, detailed job…. Do police officers really like donuts? Of course, we do! My favorite is...well there are several I like… Do you think the Cowboys have a shot at the Super Bowl and why? No, I haven’t been a fan since Tom Landry left….I’m a Packer fan myself…
I feel privileged and honored to be able to serve the community.