Donald Shepard Jr. began to take notice of law enforcement officers at a young age and in high school his interest grew. He knew that one day he too was going to be serving his community.

Shepard graduated from Citronelle High School before receiving degrees from Faulkner State Community College and Faulkner University. He then joined the force of the Selma Police Department where he worked until 2002 when he became an Alabama State Trooper.

Now, he is the post commander in Selma.

“As a young man, back in high school, I was always enthused about our local law enforcement officers. I had some good family friends that were police officers,” Shepard said. “I’ve always been impressed with law enforcement.”

Helping people is something he had always done, so becoming an officer was just another way to go above and beyond and continue to serve.

“When people ask the question why did you get into law enforcement, a lot of people say to help somebody, but that’s something we should be doing anyway. Law enforcement has always been a passion for me. It’s about helping people, but it’s more than just helping people,” he said. “It’s going that extra mile to make sure that we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing and that’s protecting and serving. I really have a passion for people’s wellbeing. That’s why I chose law enforcement.”

Shepard said through law enforcement, he’s had the pleasure of meeting governors, presidents and more as well as serving under some people he looked up to.

“I’ve met and I’ve had the pleasure of working for some good people. I’ve made a lot of friends and made a lot of connections,” Shepard said.

“It’s been rewarding to me. My job has taken me to different places that if I wasn’t in law enforcement, I probably wouldn’t have gone.”