Southmayd Police Chief Jeff Laughlin swore-in a new reserve officer to the department last Tuesday night. Tyler Shipman brings the Southmayd Police Department to three full-time officers and four reserve officers.
Shipman moved to Texas at a young age. Growing up, his grandfather, a police officer in a small town, was often gone on duty. His grandmother kept a police scanner on at the house so she could keep track of police activity that was happening in town.
Shipman was mesmerized by the scanner and thought becoming a police officer was something he’d like to do one day.
He attended high school in Whitesboro and Collinsville. After graduating in 2017, Shipman joined the United States Marine Corps where he became a Satellite Communications Operator. He served for four years and left the military at the rank of Corporal with an honorable discharge in 2021. Shipman moved back to Texas where he worked small jobs here and there.
“After leaving the military, at first I just wanted to relax,” Shipman said. “But after doing several small jobs, I started to go stir crazy. I needed to find something to get me out of the house.”
Shipman joined the Volunteer Fire Department in Whitewright. After serving there for a year, he moved to the department in Tom Bean, where he lives, and continues to serve there today.
Soon after, Shipman decided to pursue his dream of becoming a police officer.
“It was always at the back of my mind,” Shipman said. “My goals were always to join the military, become a firefighter, and become a police officer.”
Shipman has been working for the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer since 2022. With a dedication to serve, Shipman graduated from the Texoma Regional Police Academy in December of 2023. Shipman met with Chief Laughlin and spent some time getting to know him and learn about his plans for the city.
“I love what he’s doing there. He has big plans for the department and I feel he’s building up the team for what the city needs,” Shipman said. “I knew this was a team I wanted to be a part of.”
Shipman was sworn-in as a reserve member, meaning he will work part-time as needed and when available. Because he’s new to police work, Shipman will work 10 shifts that will serve as a trial run. In October, a full-time position will be available for which some reserves will be considered.
“With over four years of law enforcement experience, Officer Shipman wishes to excel with the City of Southmayd as a police officer with excellence and professionalism for the community,” Laughlin said.
“I want to be a friendly face in town,” Shipman said. “If you see me around, don’t be afraid to stop and talk to me. Ask me any questions you have. Get to know me. I’m ready, and I’m excited to be part of this team.”
