Clarkdale Police Chief Randy Taylor swore in his son Jordan Taylor as a member of the Clarkdale Police Department on Wednesday, Aug. 2, before he was officially sworn in by Clarkdale Town Manager Susan Guthrie on Aug. 8.
“I see it as a highlight of my career,” Randy Taylor said. “To have the opportunity to work with my youngest son is quite an honor and a blessing.”
Jordan Taylor grew up visiting his father at the police department on his lunch breaks and immersing himself in that environment. Jordan participated in sports and enjoyed a team atmosphere, which he said also found at CPD.
In his second or third year of college, he said he decided that being in law enforcement was what he really wanted to do.
“I really look up to my dad, seeing what he’s done in law enforcement and seeing the impact that he had,” Jordan Taylor said. “Community members are always walking up to him thanking him for what he does, or telling me that your dad is a great man. That made me see how impactful this job can be and made it something that I wanted to be part of.”
Jordan also said that being sworn in by his father was a huge honor for him and that he has always looked up to him.
“My goal is to align myself with Clarkdale,” Jordan Taylor said. “I want to do everything that I can to make Clarkdale an amazing place to live and a terrible place to be a criminal.”
He aims to contribute to the team, grow as both a person and as an officer, learn as much as he can and help make the department continue to be a great place to be.
In giving advice to his son, Randy Taylor said that law enforcement has to be balanced with community immersion and being involved in community activities. He recommended finding a balance so as not to become hardened.
“Don’t make the job define you,” Randy Taylor said. “You define the job.”
“I’d like to also tell him as a police officer he will see people in the darkest times of their lives,” Randy Taylor added. “As such, he has a chance to shine hope into that darkness. Be the light that shines hope. And be safe.”
