Thomas Shaddix : Detective for Texarkana Texas Police Department
Thomas Shaddix is a Detective with the Crimes Against Persons division at the Texarkana Texas Police Department, where he investigates a variety of crimes, including assaults, robberies, murders, and sexually motivated crimes. “It is very rewarding to see justice served,” Thomas says. “Seeing families and victims get justice when a guilty sentence is handed down is always great.”
However, Thomas did not always grow up wanting to be in law enforcement. When it came time for Thomas to choose a major in college, he was unsure what he wanted to do, so he turned to his father, Kirby Shaddix, who has always been a supportive and influential person in Thomas’ life. “While discussing my options and different careers with my father, he asked, ‘Do you want to be a police officer like your Uncle Butch?’ Uncle Butch (Butch Bates) served as a Cass County Deputy for many years, and while he was not actually my blood uncle, I grew up believing he was because of how close his friendship with my father was. I always admired him and his position, and I loved listening to his stories of things he encountered on the job,” Thomas says. “It didn’t take me long to decide that I wanted to be just like Uncle Butch.”
From the very first day Thomas decided to pursue a career in law enforcement, his father has continued to encourage him. “We are very close, and I have made a habit of calling him every day after work,” Thomas says. “He is always interested in my career and is always available to offer suggestions or let me vent.”
By the time Thomas met his wife, Meagan Shaddix, he had already been a police officer for several years. “Meagan has walked through my career with me just as you would expect your partner to. She celebrates with me when I close a big case or receive an award. She laughs with me when I tell her about some of the crazy things that happen at work,” Thomas says. “She has also seen me angry or heartbroken after days on the job when things didn’t go how I wanted. Most importantly, she causes me to want to be the best police officer, husband, and man I can be. I don’t even think she intends to do that; she just has that effect on me.”
On the toughest days in law enforcement, Thomas is motivated by the closure and comfort he can bring families. He recently brought closure to a case that went unsolved for several years. “I was really proud of this one because few cases are solved once a case goes cold. When I was finally able to tell the victim’s family that I had captured the person responsible for the crime, they were so happy. It was an emotional moment for everyone involved, including me,” Thomas says. “There were many challenging days leading up to that moment, but seeing that family’s reaction was worth every second. I will never forget it.”
Besides some of the more dangerous aspects of working in law enforcement, many officers face challenges in the “less glamorous” areas than what people see on their favorite police TV drama. However, Thomas stays focused on what he can do to continue to grow and be successful in his role. “At times, the number of active cases I am assigned to investigate can become cumbersome. Fortunately, I have found that I am surrounded by a group of fantastic investigators who are always willing to offer assistance or guidance,” Thomas says. “I also cannot control the political climate, but I can control how I interact with the citizens of Texarkana. I ensure good relationships by being polite, consistent, and fair when interacting with victims, witnesses, and suspects.
Thomas says that some of the biggest lessons he has learned on the job are about his faith. “During my time in law enforcement, I have encountered a variety of situations that were difficult to deal with, such as unpleasant people, gruesome crime scenes, and heartbreaking tragedies,” Thomas says. “I have learned that a strong relationship with God is the only way to overcome struggles on the job and in my personal life. I strongly recommend that all readers strive to begin and strengthen such a relationship.”
Fun Facts:
My favorite place to eat in Texarkana is Longhorn Steakhouse, and I always order the Steakhouse Mac & Cheese.
The best advice I’ve ever received as a law enforcement officer is, “Every interaction you have with the public may affect their perception of law enforcement for the rest of their lives.”
When I’m not at work, my hobbies include spending time with my wife, watching movies, and playing games.
My dream vacation is going to Iceland because the scenery is so beautiful.
If I could give all Texarkana citizens one piece of safety advice, it would be to carefully consider the people you allow into your life. It is so important to know who you allow to come into your home, associate with you, or have access to your family. Be very selective with such people; wolves often wear sheep’s clothing.