Brandon Grubbs : Deputy for Bowie County Sheriff’s Office
Before Brandon Grubbs joined the Army, he planned on pursuing a career in law enforcement. However, he stayed in the Army for over 20 years. Then, a few years ago, when Brandon was helping his son, Alan, look for law enforcement jobs, his interest was rekindled. “I learned that it is never too late to start a new career,” Brandon says. “Being in law enforcement has a lot of similarities with the military. Both careers focus on teamwork and working for a greater purpose.”
Brandon is a Patrol Deputy with the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office today. “We respond to calls for service, disturbances, animal calls, and thefts. Also, when needed, we enforce traffic laws,” Brandon says. “The most rewarding part of the job is solving problems, whether it is helping someone who needs assistance or arresting a criminal.”
Brandon’s biggest challenge stemmed from his initial integration into shift work, particularly working nights. “Being disciplined about my physical condition and maintaining a schedule has been very helpful,” Brandon says. Plus, it’s all worth it at the end of a shift when we know that we made a difference with each person we came in contact with.”
Brandon has been married for over 31 years, and he says that he could not do this job without his wife, Kim, and her support at home. “After being a military spouse for over 20 years, she willingly supported me in this new career,” Brandon says. “Also, my son Alan is very supportive, and as a Texas Parole Officer, he is a part of the law enforcement community.”
In today’s political climate, Brandon says he strives to keep a good relationship between citizens and law enforcement through listening and respect. “Granted, I am still kind of new at this. However, there are a couple of things that help. First, don’t make a decision until you have all the facts. Second, treat people fairly and with respect,” Brandon says. “Here in Bowie County, we are blessed to have a pro-law enforcement community and leaders who support what we do.”
Overall, Brandon is proud that through this new career change, he has continued to work as a part of a team to bring greater good to the community. Still, he acknowledges that he could never have gotten this far alone. “This job has really reinforced the importance of faith in God and not relying on my strength,” Brandon says. “It isn’t a new lesson for me, but it’s one that I have to relearn often.”
Fun Facts:
1. My favorite place to eat in Texarkana is Taste of India.
2. The best advice I’ve ever received as a law enforcement officer is, “Have fun.”
3. My hobbies include working on cars and gardening when I’m not at work.
4. My dream vacation would be Iceland because of the people, and it is a beautiful country.
5. If I could give all Texarkana citizens one piece of safety advice, it would be to lock their doors and get their pets vaccinated for rabies.