Tim Lewis is the epitome of public service. As police chief for the city of Festus, Mo., Tim puts his own safety at risk every day in order to keep the citizens in his city safe.
“The most rewarding part of my job is helping others who need assistance. Whenever we can help someone in a positive way, it is very rewarding,” he says.
Tim is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and of the Law Enforcement Executive Development School. He is also an adjunct instructor at Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Mo.
He says that his secret for success is never giving up, always learning and not fearing failure.
“Work hard, be productive and take the high road,” he says.
Tim graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in the spring of 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and minors in history and political science.
“Southeast helped me in my career by preparing me for what policing entailed. I had great instructors, I learned what to expect, I was exposed to the profession through internships and was assisted all the way by my instructors Dr. Brown, Dr. Fichter, Steve Limbaugh and David McElreath,” he says.
Tim’s favorite memory of Southeast was being a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, where he says he made lifelong friends, leading to numerous business contacts as well.
He offered the following advice to future Southeast students.
“Listen to your instructors, they are professionals in their field and expose you to vast areas of knowledge. Do not be afraid to ask questions and challenge yourself to be the best you can be. Southeast had a huge impact on my life. I would not be where I am today or as successful as I have been if it were not for the education I received at Southeast. It is truly a target-rich learning environment.”
In the future, Tim looks forward to continuing as an adjunct faculty member to pass on what he has learned to the next generation of police officers.
Tim lives in Festus, Mo., with his wife, Linda, and two children. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, hunting, playing softball and volleyball, boating, doing anything outdoors and spending time with his family.