THE MERIDIAN STAR READERS ’ CHOICE MAN OF THE YEAR Chris Read
Chris Read , a veteran law enforcement officer , is this year ’ s The Meridian Star ’ s Readers ’ Choice Man of the Year
Born in Hattiesburg , Read moved to Meridian in 1988 , where he worked at Naval Air Station Meridian as a contract worker in aviation . He started his law enforcement career at the Meridian Police Department in 1999 , where he remained until earlier this year , except for a four-year stint in Iraq working with the State Department .
Today , Read and his wife Stefanie live in the Clarkdale community , where Stefanie is the volleyball coach at Clarkdale . The couple has two daughters , Taylor , 14 , and Brooklynn , 9 . In addition , Read has two adult sons . The Reads attend New Hope Church .
The Meridian Star asked Read about winning the award . His responses follow .
How do you feel about receiving this award ?
Receiving this award is definitely humbling , knowing those others that were nominated . What led you to your career ? I had a couple of friends in law enforcement that I could ride with , and I was given the opportunity to pursue this career path . Describe yourself in one word . If I had to describe myself in one word , it would be “ investor ,” an investor in people .
To what do you attribute your success ?
I can attribute my success to fellow mentors like Ricky Roberts and other former law enforcement officers . But , the most critical attribution is the spiritual success and understanding that it ’ s not me but my relationship with Jesus Christ . What do you do in your free time ? I have very little free time . I have two beautiful girls that consume all of my time , and I wouldn ’ t have it any other way . With regard to the future : I think it is essential that we build a firm spiritual foundation , not only for our young people , but also for our own lives .
- Laura Hyche
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