By: Lion Donna Butler Chester County
Lions Club
Our Chester County Club would like to spotlight our men and women in blue this month by honoring one of our local police Officers – Whitney Watkins.
Officer Watkins was born in Memphis, TN. She lived in Hernando, MS with her mom and dad – Warren and Jamie Brant until the age of 7. She and her mom then moved to Henderson. Henderson had originally been home to her mom. Whitney has made Henderson her home ever since. In April, 2014 – Officer Watkins married her love….Weston Watkins (also an officer). They have one daughter – Karlie Joyner. Karlie is a high school senior this year.
Officer Watkins started her career with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department in June, 2015. She graduated from the TN Law Enforcement Training Academy in October, 2015.
In July, 2019 – the Henderson Police Department was lucky enough to recruit her to join our local force. During her seven years of law enforcement, she has received several certifications including Instructor Development and Field Training Officer.
When asked when she knew she wanted to be a public servant, Officer Watkins said she really was not exactly sure. However – as far back as she could remember, she knew she wanted to be involved in the Community and have a positive influence on people. She says – she wholeheartedly believes that police work is one of the best ways to accomplish this.
When asked about her greatest accomplishment…. Officer Watkins is quick to say…Raising a smart, creative, and strong daughter!
For fun, Whitney says she enjoys spending her free time with family and friends. And a personal note from this writer: From the looks of her home, she and her husband are quite the “fixer uppers”. They can often be seen working together to landscape and beautify their home….and seem to enjoy doing it together!
When asked what she hopes people will remember about her, Officer Watkins says she wants people to know and remember her as fair and caring. She chose a career in law enforcement – not for attention or notoriety – but because she genuinely cares about people and helping them in their daily lives.
I am certainly proud and honored to be able to present Officer Watkins before the Club and before the public as a true hometown hero who is serving us faithfully. I believe we in Henderson are abundantly blessed to have such fine Police and Sheriff Departments. Our hope, faith, and confidence in officers like Whitney Watkins is well placed and most deserved.
