There are certain jobs people often go to that are just that—a job, mundane, not exciting. Then there are those jobs people just love to get up every morning and go to because they really feel they are making a difference in the lives of people they come in contact with. This is the case with our Behind the Badge this week. Corporal Melody Grant shared with The Chronicle what it means to have one of these jobs that helps people.
What is your education background?
Corporal Grant: I went to Swainsboro High School and graduated from ECI. I am currently attending Strayer University for my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.
How long have you been an officer?
Corporal Grant: I have been an officer since 2015.
Why did you decide to become an officer?
Corporal Grant: I always wanted to be a police officer and got the opportunity once I began working with Swainsboro Police Department.
What is you background in law enforcement?
Corporal Grant: I started out working with the courts. I was with Ware County Magistrate Court for six years and Bulloch County Magistrate Court for three years. I started my employment at Swainsboro Police Department in May 2014. I began as a receptionist and during that time, I had the opportunity to attend the police academy. Once I finished the academy, I worked patrol for the past four years. Now, I am the clerk of municipal court.
What is the favorite part of your job?
Corporal Grant: Making a difference in the department with helping my coworkers. Another is being able to help someone when they are in need or have concerns involving their problems. My most favorite is participating in the Shop with a Cop Program; I love to see the smiles on the kids faces when they are riding and shopping with a cop.
What does the badge mean to you?
Corporal Grant: Honesty, integrity and respect are never betrayed. I will always hold myself accountable for having the courage to do the right thing. My badge is something that I worked so hard for, and I will never betray the fact that the citizens of Swainsboro will hold me accountable to serve and protect them.
Who is your support system?
Corporal Grant: I would say that my family and my coworkers are my support system because my coworkers are considered family, too, because I see them as much as my family.
How does your family deal with the different aspects of your job?
Corporal Grant: Things with my family are calmer now since I have been clerk of court, but there were times they were worried while I was working on the streets. Over time, things worked themselves out for the better.
How do you deal with the stresses of your job?
Corporal Grant: Prayer is how I deal with stress on the job.
The Crossroads Chronicle thanks Corporal Grant for all she does for the citizens of Swainsboro and wishes her continued success in all of her endeavors.