ROCK ISLAND COUNTY, Ill. — Police officers and other law enforcement officials put their lives on the line daily, and many go above and beyond their everyday duties to make their communities safer and better.
News 8's Beyond the Badge series pays tribute to those making a difference in their communities. This honor is given in memory of Detective Rick Ryckeghem, a 31-year-veteran of the Moline Police Department and Quad Cities Crime Stoppers coordinator.
Rick lost his battle with cancer in March 2019. His focus throughout his career was to make a difference in the lives of the people he encountered.
Last week, we introduced you to Camanche Officer Cory Snodgrass, who goes out of his way to ensure his community has resources for his food pantry. This week, let's get to know Deputy Tyler Reagan with the Rock Island County Sheriff's Department.
Deputy Reagan is a pretty cool guy — just ask the kids over at Riverdale Elementary in Port Byron. And that feeling is mutual for Reagan.
When asked what his favorite part about the elementary is, Reagan quickly responded with, "The students. You guys are very, very respectful."
He's not just the school's resource officer — he's also a friend that you'd go shoot hoops with. Reagan started his path at this elementary years ago. He looked up at his dad, a captain of the Moline Police Department.
"Seeing him make a difference really made me want to make my difference," Reagan told News 8's Jon Diaz.
He started in the Army Reserves before moving on to the Rock Island County Sheriff's Department, serving the Village of Carbon Cliff.
Reagan's approach to the job has been uniquely his from the start.
"I play basketball with the kids," he said. "I would bring them snacks, every now and again. I tell them if they get good grades, let me know and I'll bring a doughnut."
Something about Reagan stood out to Sgt. Michael O'Brien.
"His eagerness was tied in with just doing the best he can," O'Brien said. "That's the type of guy he is."
Reagan is never without a smile on his face, which is rare to O'Brien due to the kind of work they do every day. He's always searching for ways to give back, like when he went to the store last month.
"I decided to buy 600 pairs of gloves," Reagan said. "And I'm going to... my goal is to make sure the rural schools have cold weather gloves for the students that can't afford them or don't have them."
He did this on his own time, without compensation. And he didn't do it for the recognition — he did it because it's where he finds joy.
A News 8 viewer wrote in:
"In his position, he shows kind and compassion to all. This alone makes a huge difference with the children."
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