For Canyon Boykin, becoming a police officer has been a “life-long dream.” Boykin’s dream came to fruition recently when he was sworn in as an officer with the Columbus Police Department by Mayor Robert Smith.
“This is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Boykin said. “I want to help people. I’ve lived in Columbus all of my life. I just want to help make Columbus a better place.”
Boykin’s fascination with law enforcement started at an early age.
“My mom has pictures of me in diapers with a pad and pen in my hand,” said Boykin. “If I saw someone smoking or heard them cussing, I would scribble something down on the pad and write them a ticket.”
A 2008 graduate of New Hope High School, Boykin said he submitted his application to the CPD about nine moths ago.
“I had never abandoned my dream of working for the police department, but I was getting a little discouraged,” he said. “I was excited when I finally got the call for my interview.”
While many people enjoy the structure and security of a nine-to-five job, Boykin said the spontaneous nature of his job is most appealing.
“I never know what is going to happen on any given day,” Boykin said. “Everyday on patrol is different than the day before. On a typical day, we respond to a lot of disturbance calls. We also respond to a lot of wrecks. One of the most challenging things I’ve had to do is put someone I know in handcuffs. It was uncomfortable, but I had to do it.”
Boykin and his wife, Alisa, live in New Hope with their son Jacoby, who will turn two in August. He will soon be attending a 10-week long accredited police academy in Pearl. This will allow him to drive a patrol car by himself and will allow him other academy graduate benefits. Boykin said he hopes to go far with the CPD both in life and with his career.
“I would love to move up within the CPD force,” he said. “I hope to go as far as I can as an officer of the law. But right now, I’m just going to take it day by day and see where it takes me. I just want to make my hometown a better place to live.”
Jeff Clark was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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