Determination, hard work pays off for amputee police officer

Walking across the stage means more to one Midlands man than you could imagine.

Officer Alva Williams has tried to graduate from the Criminal Justice Academy twice, and there’s a twist to his story of accomplishment on his third try.

Looking at Williams among his fellow officers, you can’t tell at first, but something is different about the new cop.

In 1986, as a senior in high school, Officer Williams lost most of his right leg after a high school football injury became infected. That injury didn’t stop him from wanting to accomplish his life long dream.

“Everybody has got challenges,” said Williams. “Mine you just happen to see and I get up. I recognize the challenge. I’m constantly thinking how do I maneuver around it and that’s what life is about. Get knocked down, get back up, keep on moving. Stay in the fight.”

Williams did not pass the required physical agility test his first time at the criminal justice academy, nor did he pass his second time.

Williams’ police chief says he didn’t even know about the prosthetic until after he was convinced Williams could do the job, and he never doubted this was a hurdle his new recruit could climb.

“He very definitively said he can do everything an officer does,” said Chief Lance Crowe.

Williams admits it was hard. There were days he didn’t want to go on, and times he worried if he would ever be able to make it. But his heart and will to go on, pushed him to the finish.

“Everyday is a challenge,” said Williams. “I get up, got my family. There’s nothing else I’d rather do. I enjoy it. Look forward to standing by these guys in blue.”

Still humble about his accomplishments, Williams just wants to be one of the guys.

“This is an award for all officers out there who give up their life, day in and day out,” Williams said.

Now that Williams has completed his time at the academy, this first ever amputee to do so, will join his home police force in Travelers Rest.

By Stewart Moore

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