Residents often see those who protect and serve their community as heroes and Lone Star College-CyFair’s Officer Michael Tymniak is no exception as he was recognized as a local hero at the recent Salute to Law Enforcement event.
“I was surprised, shocked and very honored, particularly to have received this recognition during law enforcement week,” said Officer Tymniak, one of six honored at the May 1 event kicking off National Police Week.
LSC-CyFair’s Police Captain Ben Russell nominated this local hero because he said Officer Tymniak demonstrates the highest work ethics and professionalism in his day-to-day commitment to helping people.
“Officer Tymniak also demonstrates his ability to show compassion to citizens when the need arises and takes a personal interest in the other person’s well being,” said Capt. Russell. “He volunteers for special events when an extra officer is needed. I have observed him perform his duty well. He is consistent on a daily basis with routine matters and he does an outstanding job in any and all aspects of police work.”
Helping people and solving problems creatively keeps Officer Tymniak in law enforcement. Changing majors from biometric engineering at the University of Houston to criminal justice at Sam Houston University is when he first found his niche.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in 2003, went through the Lone Star College System Law Enforcement Academy and in September 2003, he was hired for a part-time position at LSC-Fairbanks Center.
“Mike consistently went above and beyond in his service at LSC-Fairbanks Center,” said Associate Vice President of College Centers Deana Sheppard. “He was more than a police officer and spent quality time with students, community members, faculty and staff.”
By March 2004, he was full-time at the satellite location on Northwest Freeway until November 2009 when he was moved to LSC-CyFair on Barker Cypress.
“Working with students is especially important because a lot of times, you’re the first contact they’ll have with police,” said Officer Tymniak, who worked briefly in retail loss prevention and volunteered at a juvenile boot camp. “So it’s up to you to make a good impression and show you’re not there to crush their dreams, write tickets and give them problems. You’re a counselor, a legal advisor, a mother or father, a role model and sometimes, their worst enemy, but you’re always there to help them.”
Officer Tymniak said he’s always had a servant’s heart. And while he feels at home on the college campus now, becoming a police chief or even a judge has crossed his mind.
In addition to the LSC-CyFair hero, the 16th Annual Salute to Law Enforcement event held at Willowbrook Mall recognized Sergeant John L. Byrd with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office; Donna Douglas with Cypress Creek EMS; Officer Bryan McCandless with the Humble Police Department and Officer David Fuente with the Spring Independent School District Police Department.
For information on the LSCS Law Enforcement Academy, go to LoneStar.edu/lawenforcement-academy. For information on LSC-CyFair, go to LoneStar.edu.