For Levelland Police Officer Cory Foley, he has decided to pursue other opportunities following a 20 year career with the department which ends with his retirement on May 31.
Originally getting his feet wet with law enforcement in 2004, Foley started as a full-time dispatcher. It was at that time, that then LPD Sergeant Scott Prothro introduced the idea of getting into law enforcement.
From there, Foley would go through the South Plains College Law Enforcement Program and completed their nine month night academy and would graduate in 2006.
From graduation, Foley immediately joined the LPD and spent the next 11 years on patrol. He also earned Intoxilyzer Certified before making his transition to School Resource Officer (RSO).
Not looking for the change in position, then LPD Chief Tony Cowan approached Foley because he believed his personality would be the best fit for the role of RSO.
Spending seven years in the position, Foley has had the opportunity to be a part of hundreds of children’s lives as he has been a protecting force for all Levelland ISD campuses.
“I think a really cool thing is that I was able to follow this years seniors since they were in sixth grade,” said Foley. “It has truly been heart warming to receive the farewell’s and best wishes from not only the amazing students throughout the entire district, but all the faculty and administration. It just shows how me how well I did my job helping keep the students and faculty safe and comfortable.”
As the school year was coming to a close this year, Foley was surprised by students and faculty who lined the hallways wishing him well at different campuses as he conducted his walk through responsibilities.
Throughout the entirety of his career, Foley explained that being someone community members can recognize and come to with problems or simply say hello is one of his favorite things he has enjoyed.
“To me it has always been important to be a part of the community whether that be going to parks and playing ball with the kids, being at birthdays or having conversations with citizens,” explained Foley. “It makes me feel good knowing our community members feel safe coming to us and it gives us that feeling of being trusted and loved.”
For Foley, his goal has been to leave a positive mark on the community and help leave the LPD better than when we started.
“There is a lot of negativity in this world and it has been one of my goals to help show that the world is not a bad place everywhere. We are human and not all of us officers are bad people” said Foley. “As a RSO, I want these kids to understand that they can come to me or any officer and we will take care of them and protect them. Same for our community members who need assistance. We live in this community as well. Levelland is our home, we have families here and we want this to be a comfortable and safe place for everyone.”
Admitting that bad things do happen, Foley explained that he believes that God is there to protect the community in times of peace and chaos.
“I believe in prayer and that we are covered in God’s blood,” said Foley. “Whatever happens God is there for us. Through my career I have seen my fair share of bad things, but I still thank God for each and every single day.
Moving forward, Foley ensured that he will still be a part of the community and stay involved. Eager to see what opportunities await him, Foley explained that being a part of the Leadership Levelland Program was an amazing opportunity to move toward becoming more involved.
“I will be taking some time off and traveling, but I can assure you that I will continue to be part of the community of Levelland,” said Foley. “I think I just reached a time in my life where God said it was time to begin a new chapter.”
The City of Levelland and the LPD will be celebrating Foley’s 20 years of service with a retirement celebration slated for Tuesday, May 28, at the Levelland High School Commons located at 1400 Hickory Street. The celebration will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with community members invited.