A 7’3″ rookie officer is drawing attention in Kemah, Texas.
Jordan “Tiny” Wilmore, believed to be the tallest police officer in the state, was sworn in by the Kemah Police Department this week.
Wilmore said becoming a police officer has always been a dream, even after a basketball career that took him from Missouri, Northwestern State and Texas A&M-Commerce to professional play overseas.
“When I was younger, I had aspirations and goals to maybe, hopefully play in the NBA or play somewhere professionally,” Wilmore said. “I got the chance not too long ago to play in the Philippines with my old teammate who is also 7-foot as well. That experience was cool, but I realized basketball wasn’t for me when I was playing out there. And I’ve always known I wanted to be a police officer.”
Wilmore also drew support from his idol, NBA legend and reserve deputy Shaquille O’Neal, who visited Kemah PD.
Kemah PD said Wilmore’s uniform and police cruiser will be custom-made for his 2.21-metre frame.
“He wants to serve, he has a passion to serve,” Kemah Police Chief Raymond Garivey said. “You can see the generosity in him. But don’t get me wrong, no mistake, at 7’3″, he’s definitely going to be an enforcer. So if you come to Kemah to commit a crime, that’s probably not a good thing when he’s on duty.”
“I just want to thank every single person who is part of the Kemah community for their loving, kind words and supporting me through his journey,” Wilmore said. “I always want to be there for whoever needs my help.”
Read more from ABC 11.
