What’s UP with Campus Cops?
Sargent Terry Upchurch poses with his K-9 partner, Diesel! Photo: Courtesy of Ectorcountyisd.org
by: Scott Huffman for TXLB
Being a police officer in any capacity can be difficult. However, being a campus cop at one of the largest High Schools in a 100-mile radius requires walking a delicate tightrope in both law enforcement and education.
Sargent Terry Upchurch of the Ector County Police Department has been walking that line for over a decade. He was kind enough to share his innermost thoughts with us about being a Campus Police Officer.
SCOTT: This is LoneStarBlues with SQT Terry Upchurch of the ECISD Police Dept.
SCOTT: How long have you been an Officer with ECISD?
UPCHURCH: I have been an officer with Ecisd for going on 10 years.
SCOTT: Were you a cop before ECISD?
UPCHURCH: Yes, I was. I started my law enforcement career with the Odessa police department.
SCOTT: What made you decide to become an Officer?
UPCHURCH: Law enforcement runs in my family. My dad is retired from ICE and my brother is currently the Sheriff of Upton County. Law enforcement came second nature to me.
SCOTT: Have you ever regretted your decision?
UPCHURCH: Never once have I regretted my decision to be in law enforcement. The fulfillment I get from helping others that can’t help themselves is always worth it.
SCOTT: Would you choose this life again?
UPCHURCH: Yes, I would. I periodically think if there would be any other professions I would be in, and I couldn’t see myself in any other career.
SCOTT: Are you ever worried if you’re going to make it home safely?
UPCHURCH: Some days yes. Odessa’s active shooter in 2019 was a scary moment for all law enforcement and citizens and definitely was the most scariest moment I have ever encountered in law enforcement.
SCOTT: What is the first thing that goes through your mind when you get a call about a student with a gun/weapon?
UPCHURCH: The first thought that goes through my mind when getting this type of call is ensuring everyone stays safe. That goes for my officers, students, and staff. At the end of the call, no one wants to see anyone hurt.
SCOTT: What is the first thing that goes through your mind when you hear shots fired?
UPCHURCH: My first thought is getting to that location as quickly and as safely as possible because ultimately I want to stop a threat if present and help anyone that may be injured.
SCOTT: What is the first thing that goes through your mind when an officer needs assistance?
UPCHURCH: Much like responding to shots fired call, I want to get to that officer needing assistance as quickly and as safely as possible. Any in law enforcement knows that minutes seem like hours when you are in a situation where you need help.
SCOTT: Are you ever worried about a routine traffic stop?
UPCHURCH: Being worried about traffic stops will keep you safe most times. Many officers know that there are no such things as routine traffic stops. What an officer may see as a simple traffic violation may lead to a fight with a wanted subject.
SCOTT: How do you feel as a man/officer with the way things are now regarding law enforcement? For instance, Defunding the police? Or all cops are racist?
UPCHURCH: I believe that there are still many people in this world that support law enforcement. I see it daily. Unfortunately, the media plays the biggest role in tarnishing our reputation because they only show the bad in law enforcement as opposed to all the good we constantly strive to do. Racism is only fueled by people who hate our profession and try everything they can to tarnish our badge. Regardless of everything going on in this world and the outlook of law enforcement, I still strive to be a role model for all.
SCOTT: Is there anything you would like people to know about you as a man who is also an Officer?
UPCHURCH: I am just a regular person like the rest of society. I am a father, a brother, and a husband who goes to work every day putting others in need in front of my own family. God willing, I will be able to have a successful and healthy career that my family will be proud of.
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Sargent Terry Upchurch lives in Odessa, TX with his wife and children. Thank you, Sargent Upchurch, for taking the time out of your Christmas break to speak with us!
Be Safe, Out there!
We Salute You!
