Serving is in Officer Roy Freine’s blood. Coming from a family with a rich military and law enforcement background, Freine said there was no other career choice for him.

 “My daddy kind of passed it down,” Freine said.

His father served in the U.S. Army and fought in World War II, Korean War and Vietnam. His brother also served as a Marine and served 28 years as a police officer with the Selma Police Department. 

“I love the job, and I love the people of Selma and Dallas County,” Freine said. “I love the people I work with. We are a family.”

His son, Justin, is continuing the family legacy as an officer with the K-9 Unit at the Selma Police Department. Freine said one of his proudest moments as an officer, and as a parent, was when Justin graduated from the Police Academy.

Freine said he has learned so much throughout his 29 years of service with the Dallas County Sherriff’s Department, and he has enjoyed every minute of his time serving. He said officers like former Chief Deputy Randy Pugh made a great impression on him, and he learned a lot from him before his untimely passing last year.

“Chief Deputy Randy Pugh was probably my best friend and a great mentor. I enjoyed working with him,” Freine said. “I’ve enjoyed working with Harris Huffman, I’ve enjoyed working with Mike Grantham.”

Freine has served as a dispatcher, deputy, criminal investigator, Lieutenant. for more than 16 years, captain and served on the narcotics division for eight years. After his many years of service he decided to retire in December of 2016, but quickly came back to work part time as a patrol officer in January of 2017.

“I just love what I do, and I couldn’t sit at home,” Freine said.

Freine said his wife of 30 years has adapted to him being in law enforcement, and has grown accustomed to his busy schedule. He said he is grateful for her, and all her years of understanding and being there for their two children.

“Without her, there’s no way I could’ve done it,” Freine said. “The sacrifices I’ve made by not being able to be there for my kids because of work, she was there. She’s done a good job.”

He said those sacrifices were some of the hardest parts of doing the job.

“Having to leave your family during functions like a birthday party, friend’s birthday party, Christmas or Easter [has been one of the hardest things to deal with],” Freine said. “There’s probably not a holiday out there that I haven’t had to work. It’s one of the hardest parts because when your kids are young they don’t understand why you’re leaving.”

Even though the job often called for Freine to make those sacrifices, he thanks his former chief and sheriff for always encouraging the staff to take time out for family. He said he is glad to be able to pass some of that same wisdom down to Justin as he serves as well.