Ron Paris, TPD Police Sergeant, Mentor, and Role Model
Sergeant Ron Paris is a big presence yet a kind and unassuming man. In fact, in sitting down to tell about his life and career he says that the best advice he ever received was to “Always be humble...never look down upon those who are going through their own issues.” Although Sergeant Paris is the humblest of men, he has made a huge impact on the youth he serves as director of the Toledo Lucas County Police Athletic League Program, (PAL).
Sergeant Paris was a star athlete at Rogers High School in the early 80s and went on to play varsity basketball in the Marines. During his 12 year military career, he served in Desert Storm and Desert Shield. The leadership training he received while a Marine prepared him for his most important roles, father to his three children, and father figure to the youth in the PAL program.
One child at a time
Under Sargeant Paris’ leadership the PAL program serves underprivileged Toledo youth, age 7-17, and “mentors future leaders one child at a time.” Once youth are accepted into the program, Sergeant Paris coordinates with guidance counselors and tutors to come up with an individual plan custom tailored to the youth’s specific needs. Through athletics and other activities, PAL aims to help each participant find their best path.
Truly there have been some noteworthy paths. South Carolina star point guard and Olympic hopeful Zia Cooke, U.S. National Heavyweight Champion Boxer, Jared Anderson and NFL Quarterback DeShone Kizer all were PAL program participants who have gone on to make a big splash. Sargeant Paris points out these graduates as inspirational, but emphasizes that the youth in the program who have overcome adversity to graduate high school, apply for college, avoid drug use, gang violence or teen pregnancy also deserve recognition. Their admirable choices could very well send ripples of success through generations within their families.
Beyond basketball
Under Sergeant Paris’ leadership, the PAL program is widening it’s reach. One expects to see competitive sports such as basketball, baseball, soccer and volleyball in a police athletic league, but what about a program entitled the Polished Emerald Project which is a mentoring program for girls, or the Books Before Hoops program which places academics first and picking up a basketball second? Sergeant Paris has broadened the programming of PAL in an effort to reach out to those who are interested in things other than sports. “We see the potential in all our youth and emphasize the many ways they can strive to be a professional.”
Lending an Ear
Beyond programming, Sergeant Paris emphasizes the importance of his role as a listener. “we see a lot of depression in our youth so we allow the kids to vent and express themselves rather than try to find all the answers for them.” This listening ear is tuned in to the parents of these youth as well. Sergeant Paris believes the wall many people have put up in regards to their trust in the police can be scaled with individual conversation, taking time to listen and meeting people on a personal level.
The list of Sergeant Paris’ dreams for PAL is long. Seeing the potential in the youth who participate in PAL keeps him passionate about finding new opportunities for them, seeking out funding and reaching out to businesses and other non-profits to partner with. As the father figure he humbly strives to be, he is driven daily by this key question, “How can we best help the kids in the community we serve?”
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working out at Planet Fitness after work and watching ESPN
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I would love to go see an OSU football game in person
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Barack Obama’s books. I am inspired by his journey from humble beginnings to President in spite of the adversities he had to endure.
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Growing up in a two parent home with engaged parents and a strong dad in the house.
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We wouldn’t exist without the tireless efforts of our many volunteers, Officer Kimberly Darrington and tutor Hannah Paul. Toledo Police Chief George Kral and former Lucas County Sheriff John Tharp’s support has been instrumental in helping us broaden our reach.
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Get ready. You are going to meet some great people on this journey of life.
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Set the example. Treat others the way you would like to be treated and everything else will fall into place.
PAL is a 501c3 organization that relies on donations for 100% of its funding. For information on how to get involved as a volunteer or donor go to Toledopal.org or call Sargeant Paris at 419.214.9022.
https://www.mlivingnews.com/columns/profile-ron-paris-tpd-police-sergeant-mentor-and-role-model/