Dallas Police John T. McCarthy Officer of the Year

Well, more than 300 outstanding Dallas police officers and staff members were recently honored with awards for their performance in the line of duty. And this year's officer of the year was given to Senior Corporal Jasmine Corey Simpson. She joins us live right now today. Thank you so much for joining us, Senior Corporal Simpson. So nice to have you here. And congratulations. What an honor. Thank you so much. So you show up with purpose every day. What does it mean to be recognized for your service in this way It's honestly, I was shocked that I actually won, but it was a really good feeling to be acknowledged by my department and my co-workers. And you specifically work with the homeless outreach team. Tell us a little bit about that and just the impact that you have in that role. So we started back in August 2025 as a pilot program. We recently became permanent September 9th. We work with emergency management crisis response team as well as code Yeah. other city partners to go into these encampments dealing with the unhoused and unsheltered. So we make multiple contacts trying to provide resources whether it's getting them into a shelter or rehab or mental health services. And you were selected among 14 nominees. So how did it feel to have your name listed among your colleagues, seeing your name there? What was that feeling like for you? It was honestly a really good feeling to just be acknowledged, be in a group of great people, great officers. I honestly thought they deserved it more than me, to me. but it was a really great feeling to be acknowledged. Now, Chief Daniel Como has said that, you know, being an officer is not just about the recognition, but the idea that everybody has a role to play in making the city safer. To be honored means that you give far more than the job description even asked for. So tell us a little bit about your motivation. What keeps you going? Why do you do what you do? Honestly, I love helping people, especially with the community that we're dealing with. They're the ones that are unseen, so I feel like they're the ones that need the most help, and that pushed me to work harder within my unit to provide a better life for them. And Senior Corporal Simpson, I'm just wondering, I mean, is this a role that you envisioned for yourself growing up, or what even inspired you to serve in this way to begin with? Um... Honestly, I actually was big into law enforcement probably my sophomore year of high school. Thank What pushed me, it was more my father was murdered in Dallas prior to me being born. So that was my drive to put myself in this position you and be the first line of response. very And what a light you are. Thank you so much for your service. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. much. But thank you and congratulations again for being recognized in this way. What an honor that is to be recognized. We just want to note that the Friends of the Dallas Police is behind this annual awards banquet. This is a group of Dallas business leaders who recognize employees of the Dallas Police Department for their outstanding performance. And that banquet raises money to celebrate those men and women. Congratulations again on the honor, Senior Corporal Simpson. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.