By Toni Lepeska
The Commercial Appeal
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A 27-year-old Olive Branch man who once saw police officers as the enemy now has been singled out for recognition as one of their finest.
J. J. Harden was honored last week as the Olive Branch Police Department’s Officer of the Year. Other police employees also received special recognition at a dinner.
The group was selected by the command staff. Harden, Chief Don Gammage said, demonstrated dedication, professionalism, leadership skills and a consistent positive attitude. Other employees “went over and beyond.”
Gammage would have liked to have cited a particular case where Harden demonstrated exceptional behavior, but doing so might blow Harden’s cover. Harden occasionally works undercover as a member of the street crimes unit. The unit deals with various crimes, including drug dealing and burglaries.
Harden has only been with the Olive Branch Police Department three years. He tried several different types of jobs before setting his mind on being a cop.
As a youth, he may never have guessed that’s what he would be. Harden, a graduate of Kirby High School, grew up in East Memphis in neighborhoods where youths thought negatively of police officers.
“Growing up in Memphis, you looked at police officers as kind of your enemy,” said Harden, adding that youths thought some officers to be “dirty cops,” or that at least they did not treat everyone with equal fairness. “That’s the reputation they had on the street,” he said.
Harden’s attitude began to change as he learned more about the profession. As his attitude was evolving, he went to school to learn computer networking skills.
He worked a while for a bank, issuing loans and opening accounts. He also sold cars for two years, learning relationship-building skills he would later use as a police officer. He strives to be a good example of a cop, especially with youth.
“You have to build that rapport with people,” Harden said. “I apply that every day. Sometimes you have to sit down and talk to people. I use that sales mentality.”
The other officers who received special recognition were Terri Hoskins, Gregg Correll and Jamie Simmons. Greg Phillips was named Dispatcher of the Year, and Stanley Porter was named Crossing Guard of the Year.
Copyright 2011 The Commercial Appeal, Inc.