Detective honored for investing in local family
When a local family felt they had no where else to turn, Temple Police Department Detective Michael Terpstra went above the call of duty to not only work their case, but also to build a lasting relationship along the way.
“Many of you have often heard me say, how we do what we do is just as important as getting it done. This case and this relationship represents that axiom really well,” Police Chief Shawn Reynolds said during a recognition ceremony Friday. “How Detective Terpstra did what he did was perhaps more important than getting it done. His efforts in this case represent the best of what policing has to offer.”
Reynolds and the Ford family who Terpstra assisted recently honored the detective during a small ceremony at the Temple Police Department.
Terpstra, who investigates crimes against children, made himself available to the Fords at all hours of the night and served as an advocate for the family.
“I do believe that when there is a crisis, there must be someone who needs to step in as a strongpoint to hold everything together,” John Ford said. “This was a group effort. It took every team member that Det. Terpstra works with to allow him to be available for our family, and for that, we say thank you.”
But Terpstra didn’t just work the case. He also invested in the family’s lives.
“My wife and I are honored to work with Detective Terpstra, but we’re even more honored and humbled to call Mike a friend,” Ford said.