MERLE MONAHAN/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
merlemonah@aol.com

WINDSOR—When the Town of Windsor promoted Sergeant Arlis Victor “Vic” Reynolds to chief, they got more than just an average police chief.

In addition to increasing the police department from three to six members, has in just three years created both an adult and a youth police auxiliary, established an annual Christmas toy drive, which has grown to include the county, and initiated the purchase of a new police station.

Reynolds, 38, likes to play down his accomplishments, however. “I’m just doing my job,” he said.

Reynolds came to Windsor from the Hampton Police Department in 2006.

“I was recruited by the former chief here, Bob Porti,” he said. “Of course, we didn’t know he was going to leave, but when he did in 2010, I was fortunate enough to be promoted to his position.”

Reynolds grew up in Dayton, Tenn., and attended Rhea County High School, where he graduated when he was 18.

“I really didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I wasn’t worried. I thought I knew everything. I got involved with the wrong crowd, very much to my dad’s disappointment. Finally, through the urging of one of my brothers, I decided to join the Army. My dad was all for it and relieved too, I’m sure.

“I’ll have to say, serving in the Army saved me,” he went on. “I learned things that were foreign to me, like discipline, teamwork, loyalty and honor.

“But I loved it. It was one of the best six years of my life.”

Reynolds, who saw combat in Bosnia and Kuwait, served as a military policeman, so when he was discharged he decided to join law enforcement. His first job was with the Hampton Police Department.

“I had been with Hampton for five years, when I left to come here,” he said, adding that this was another good move. “I love this community. The people are great, very supportive of our department.”

Reynolds said one of his objectives is to assure the residents that they are protected.

“I’ve been striving for one police officer for every 500 residents,” he added, “and we’re at that level now.”

“We do it all,” the chief went on, “from stopping speeders to handling murder cases, although so far we’ve only had one attempted murder.”

He added that with the new police department building, they will have the necessary equipment to handle all cases on site.

Aside from his duties as a police chief, Reynolds said he has been worried about the youth in town.

“They have nothing to do, nothing to occupy their time.”

In addition to the police auxiliary, he is in the process of establishing a skate park.

“We first have to find a suitable site, then raise the money. It’ll take a little more time,” he said, “but we’ll get it done.”

The toy drive came about when Reynolds discovered a family in town was struggling to provide presents for their children at Christmas.

“I went out and bought bicycles for them,” he said. “Then I thought, ‘I’m sure there are other families in the same shape.’ So the next October I asked people to donate toys and gifts to distribute to these families. We stored the gifts at police headquarters.

“Then we, the entire department, let people know that they could come in and choose whatever they needed. On Christmas Day, we drive through town and distributed what was left.”

One of Reynolds’ duties is to apply for grants.

“I want to defray our costs as much as possible,” he added, “in order to keep taxes down. So far, we’ve been lucky. But I also want to commend the town council.

They realize the importance of our department and accommodate us as much as possible. Like our new police department building. They knew this was needed and planned for it in advance.”

“We were pretty cramped in our old quarters,” said Reynolds, who designed the interior of the new structure. “This is just perfect.”

NAME: Arlis Victor “Vic” Reynolds.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THIS AREA: The U. S. Army.

OCCUPATION: Chief of Police for the Town of Windsor.

MARITAL STATUS: I am in a relationship with a wonderful lady and I’ve got my eye on marrying her.

HOMETOWN: Dayton, Tenn.

CHILDREN, AGES AND SCHOOLS: I have two, Alexandra, 15, and Christian, 14, who go to school in York County.

FAVORITE NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN: Dinner and a movie with my family

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: I like all the local restaurants.

FAVORITE MEAL AND BEVERAGE: Steak and Pepsi Max.

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU: I’m able to sing pretty well.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOU: I care about kids and how they turn out.

WHAT IS YOUR WORST HABIT: Thinking I can help everyone.

PETS: I have a puppy named Bella.

FAVORITE HOBBIES: Hunting and fishing.

PET PEEVE: People who have no loyalty.

FIRST JOB: Clerk at Hardee’s.

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED: As someone who made a difference.

IF YOU HAD 10 MINUTES ON NATIONAL TELEVISION, WHAT WOULD YOUR TOPIC BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU SAY: My topic would be that America is failing our children.    We’re not doing enough to support education. I know that in some cases both parents must work and we’re left with latchkey kids, but our children are our future and they must be guided in the right direction, so there has to be an alternative. We’re creating a generation of kids that are bored; all they have to occupy their time is to watch video games. All too often they become interested in violence and they think this is the way to be. We must get them involved in something constructive, be a good role model. Our kids must learn that what they see on television is not reality; it is not the way life should be.