CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Vivian Williams always wanted to help others, especially children and young people.
She thought about becoming a school principal or lawyer but found her true calling with the Chicago Police Department 28 years ago.
“I stepped out on faith, and I became a police officer,” said Sergeant Williams.
And, from day one, she was drawn to community policing.
“It just warms my heart, and I feel like it's the right thing to do,” Williams said.
On this day, we caught up with Sgt. Williams at a mother-daughter prom she organized to help young girls connect with, not only their family, but mentors in the community and police department
“A lot of times, the younger people don't trust the police because of things they've seen on television, stories they've heard…A lot of times when police officers come into their homes is when their homes are just in an uproar, so, we have to show them the other side of policing,” said Williams.
It's an important lesson the department veteran tries to instill in other officers.
“If we treat everyone with respect, then, guess what? We'll get respected back, and sometimes you don't…Some people have to be arrested, but everybody does not,” reasoned Williams.
As she looks back on her career, Williams said she feels incredibly blessed.
“Being able to help people, being able to change lives, I always tell officers, especially young officers, that you have to leave people better than you found them. You can be that positive change in someone's life,” Williams said.
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