Aspiring Police Officer Jordan Wilmore Gets Support from Shaquille O’Neal
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Introduction
In a remarkable story of resilience and determination, Jordan Wilmore, a 7-foot-3 former professional basketball player, is on a mission to become a police officer in Kemah, Texas. Despite facing a setback in his state peace officer exam, Wilmore has earned the encouragement of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, who has stepped in to sponsor his journey.
Wilmore’s Journey to Law Enforcement
At just 24 years old, Jordan Wilmore has overcome numerous obstacles. After graduating from the police academy, he was poised to join the Kemah Police Department. However, he missed passing the state exam by just one point, scoring 69 instead of the required 70.
Wilmore’s upbeat attitude shines through as he reflects on the setback:
"At first I was down, but I thought, you know, I’m still young. You fail, you get right back up. Can’t be too quick to quit."
This determination to push forward speaks volumes about his character and desire to serve his community.
Shaquille O’Neal Steps In
After learning about Wilmore’s situation, Shaquille O’Neal reached out to Kemah Police Chief Raymond Garivey, offering to support the aspiring officer. O’Neal expressed admiration for Wilmore’s ambition:
"I want him to really focus on this because it’s commendable that a kid wants to be an officer. I love cops. They made me who I am."
O’Neal’s involvement underscores his commitment to community service and law enforcement, reflecting his own experiences as a reserve officer in various departments, including the Miami Beach Police.
Unique Challenges for a 7-Foot-3 Officer
While Wilmore is excited about his future, he faces unique physical challenges in adapting to the police environment. Chief Garivey noted that their equipment is not designed for someone of Wilmore’s stature:
- Cruiser Fit: "Knees are touching the dash; it’s very, very tight."
- Uniform Sizing: The department is actively seeking custom uniforms to accommodate Wilmore’s height.
Despite these hurdles, the chief is proud of Wilmore’s commitment to making a difference in his community:
"He wants to serve. He truly wants to make a difference."
Motivational Support and Future Plans
To further encourage Wilmore, O’Neal has promised an exciting reward: a custom-made police car to motivate him to pass the exam.
Wilmore expressed his gratitude:
"I’m really thankful for him helping me out and being there, and being a mentor for helping me through this."
From Basketball to Law Enforcement
Before pursuing his dream of becoming a police officer, Wilmore played college basketball at prestigious institutions such as Missouri and Northwestern State, and even went overseas to try his hand at professional basketball. However, he ultimately chose a different path:
"It was hard for me to share my dreams because it was, ‘Well, you just got to focus on basketball.’ But I’ve always liked to help other people."
His dedication to serving others is evident; he even turned down offers from the NBA to focus on his law enforcement ambitions.
Conclusion
Jordan Wilmore’s story exemplifies resilience and dedication, showing that dreams can take many forms. With the support of Shaquille O’Neal and a strong determination to serve, Wilmore is set to overcome his challenges and make a significant impact as a police officer in Texas.
For more inspiring stories about individuals overcoming obstacles, check out SHRM.
Call to Action
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