Patrol Officer Tawona Grandison has been selected as APD’s Officer of the Week. Officer Grandison began her career in law enforcement in October of 2014.

She attended the Alabama Peace Officers Standard and Training Commission Police Academy in Selma.

She is currently working under the direction of Sgt. Roger Cender and Lt. Tim Stallworth on B Shift. Tawona is mother to Trinite’ Bryant and is engaged to Timothy Ryce.

She is currently planning her nuptials for October 2017. She and her family make their home in Andalusia.

Officer Grandison says her favorite day to work is always Thursday, on day shift.

Her favorite hobby is shopping and her favorite teams are the Alabama Crimson Tide (Roll Tide) and the Andalusia Bulldogs (Go Dogs).

She says her favorite meal is biscuits and gravy and her favorite dessert is ice cream.

Officer Grandison says that law enforcement “chose her.”

“I’m a people person. I love to be involved with the community,” she said. “Law enforcement gives me the opportunity to give back to my community.”

Her future includes continuing her career at APD and be Andalusia’s first female chief of police.

When asked to give advice for those who are considering law enforcement as a career, Officer Grandison offered the following, “Make sure that this is really something you want to do. Always be honest. Honesty goes a long way in law enforcement and life. Do your best to have a positive attitude and never cower down.”

“Tawona was the first female officer hired at Andalusia Police Department in several years,” Chief Paul Hudson said. “In this job, it is difficult to find men and women who are willing to make the daily sacrifices it takes to complete the training, remain positive about the job that they’re hired to do, and to keep a smile on your face while dealing with people when they’re not at their best moment. The day we interviewed Tawona we all knew she was perfect for APD. As a single mom, it can’t be easy to find childcare while working nights, weekends and holidays and still show up to work with a smile on your face and ready to help others but she does. Every shift she reports to work she is ready and willing to help any and every one she encounters.

“She has a strong family unit who helps but ultimately, she is the one who deserves the credit for working hard and being a great role model for Trin,” he said. “Officer Grandison shows true compassion for those she helps, isn’t afraid to step up to a challenge, and has been an asset to us at APD. We look forward to many more years with Officer Grandison at APD,”