Doing good in the community needs to be the "it" thing. When you do good things in your community, lives are changed. On this Apr. 22, the Tampa Bay G.I.R.L.S. Rock Awards Show showcased and honored local black women who have worked tirelessly to help better the Tampa Bay community, in each of nine categories: Arts & Media; Entertainment; Business; Civic/Government; Community; Education; Health & Wellness; Religious; and Young, Gifted & Black
Crystal Langston, an officer with the Gulfport Police Department, was among the honorees. CL spoke with her about her story, and found that civic duty runs in her blood.
How did you get involved in law enforcement?
Growing up, both of my parents were in some way involved in law enforcement. My mother served as a police officer for the Tampa Police Department for ten years. Although my father never became an officer himself, he was fascinated with the idea of police work. I remember many nights watching cop-related shows with him on TV. We’d also listen to the police scanner while my mom was on duty. As a child it seemed like an exciting career. As I grew older and started to seriously consider a career for myself, I wanted to work at a job that I not only enjoyed, but one that would allow me to make a difference in the world. I wanted to be the person to help out and to serve others.
What are some of the things that you do in the community?
On the job, I’ve organized a few collections for families who were in need of things such as food, clothes, or other basic household items. I recently coordinated a meet-and-greet, and a discussion panel involving police officers from various agencies with groups of students at the school where I work. The purpose of the meet-and-greet was for officers to introduce themselves to the students, and to tell them why they wear the badge. The purpose of the discussion panel was for students to be able to ask questions of the officers, and for both the officers and the students to get a better understanding of each other.
Through my church, Rainbow Ministries, I created an organization named the I Care Ministry. The purpose of I Care is to serve others, and to give back to our community. On a weekly basis, members of I Care contribute their own money, food, and other requested items, usually toiletries, to be used to create blessing bags. At least once a month the I Care team stocks the blessing bags with the items that we’ve collected, and we distribute the bags out into the community to those who may be in need. We typically go out around our church in Seffner, or in the downtown Tampa area. We not only deliver the bags, but we also spend time in the community by ministering in prayer, song, and words. The I Care team has also hosted free community dinners where we’ve prepared meals, served them to those that may be in need, as well as delivered meals to families in the community. The I Care team has also visited church members who’ve fallen ill in the hospital.
What are your future goals for your career and community?
Although I greatly enjoy working with youth as a school resource officer, I’d eventually like to try my hand at being a detective. I’d also further like to advance my career into a leadership position as a supervisor. As far as my future goals as it relates to the community, I’d like to use my position as a police officer to continue to make positive connections with the youth, and the community, by continuing to coordinate events similar to the police officer meet and greets and discussions.
At my church I foresee the I Care Ministry growing, obtaining grants, and possibly even being able to build a shelter or safe place for those who are in need. I have a desire to do more than just feed the hungry. I’d love to one day be able to provide a safe place for people who are out living on the street.
How honored are you to be receiving this award?
I’m greatly honored, and humbled by even the idea that I’ve been chosen to receive this recognition. It’s an awesome feeling when others think of and see me in a positive light. I had no knowledge that I was being considered for this award, so when I received the phone call that I’d been nominated as an honoree I was shocked, but extremely thankful.
What is your one big dream for yourself?
My one big dream for myself is to become financially set so that I’m able to take care of my mother so that she no longer has to work and can become a full-time granny.
Who is a personal mentor to you?
My personal mentor is my mother. My mother has always been a great example to me and my two sisters. She taught me how to balance the busy life of being a full-time working mother outside of the home, then how to turn around and be a full-time active mommy inside the house as well. She taught me how I should treat my spouse with love, as well as to expect nothing less than love and respect from my spouse in return. She taught me how to become a mature, independent, and self-proficient woman of God, and for that I love her greatly.
What do you think the community needs the most now or the children you serve and protect?
Truthfully I believe that the community needs God now more than ever. With so many evil things that are happening in this world, there’s only so much that man can do. And even with all of the efforts that men may put forth, they can’t completely fix those problems, only God can do that. To me, God brings about peace in the midst of the storm, and comfort in the time of discouragement.
The Tampa Bay G.I.R.L.S. Rock will be held this Saturday at the University of South Florida Oval Theater, 4103 USF Cedar Circle, Tampa.
