First Responder Spotlight

Back in Uniform: Former Sabercat Tackles New Beat

If you were around Southmoore football around 2012-to-2014, you'd undoubtedly remember Jalen Adams, one of the top athletes in Oklahoma. Adams went on to play at North Texas and Oklahoma Baptist. You'll find him on the beat as a Patrol Office with the Moore Police Department these days. Adams says it's a perfect fit for his passion in life: helping others.

"I love to serve people," said Adams, "And so about five years ago, I was looking at what was going on in the world, and I thought, 'Man, I would love to be a part of having a positive impact on people as a police officer.'"

Adams decided to grow into the job, so he started with the Blanchard police department. After three years there, he moved to Newcastle, where he intended to stay for the long term. But after just over a year, he felt the pull to return to Moore.

"I really liked it in Newcastle," said Adams, "But I got to talking with some of the guys here in Moore, and I was already living here. It just hit me. This is where I grew up. This is where I'm from. This is my community, and I love it here."

He was able to secure a spot with the Moore Police Department just over a year ago and says it's been one of the best decisions of his life.

"I can feel good every time I go home and say I did something that impacted somebody's life in a good way," said Adams. "I also love working for a department committed to having a great relationship between officers and the community."

Throughout the year, the Moore Police Department participates in several events to foster healthy relationships between officers and the community. National Night Out, Coffee with a Cop, Burgers, and Badges, and Shop with a Cop are all programs Adams loves to see in place. He's also excited about a new MPD effort: geo-policing.

"This is an opportunity for officers to get very familiar with a certain area in the city," said Adams. "That way, we can interact with specific communities and get to know each other. Then if somebody has to call the police, they know the officers who will show up."

Adams has two children, a nine and a six-year-old. They're also a significant part of his motivation to make a difference in Moore.

"Man, they're growing up fast, and things are going by so quickly," said Adams, "This job allows me to take care of them while I make a living that I can be proud of, impacting the community positively."

As a wide receivers coach, the former football star also impacts the Moore High School Lions football team. Adams says it can be tricky making time for the extra activity but is grateful for the chance to be still involved in the game he loves.

"I knew Coach Hunt when I played at Southmoore," said Adams. "When he got the job at Moore, he called me and asked if I'd be interested in coaching. I'd been coaching some at the junior high level, so this was a way for me to continue getting some great experience."

As he raises his kids and coaches high school athletes, Adams says his passion for serving the city as a police officer is still a foundational part of his life.

"I take so much joy in this opportunity, and I believe that if you truly put others first, the rest of life will take care of itself," said Adams.