Sterling Police Sgt. Todd Messer, 46, does more than just patrol the streets, he dedicates his extra time raising money for Special Olympics via "Running with the Bears" and other fundraisers.
He also coaches running backs and linebackers for Newman Central Catholic High School and supervises Sterling's Boy Scout Troop 305.
Tell us about your work:
I've been with Sterling Police Department for 21 years, and I run the day-to-day patrol operations for them.
What drew you to it?
I always knew I wanted to be a police officer when growing up. I looked up to police officers, thinking it was cool to help the community and help others having a bad day, helping them get through it.
How has your work made the community better?
As far as being a police officer, being there for someone who may be having the worst day of their life.
For Special Olympics, it's great knowing money and awareness is going to a good cause. It's priceless to see the joy on the athletes' faces when they compete.
What do you want others to know that they may not?
First, as a police officer, most people see us in a bad situation, whether there's an emergency or writing a ticket. But we do a lot of good in the community. We have families and we care about the community just as much as you do. There are a lot of things that we do behind the scenes that people don't see.
What have you learned about yourself or others by doing it?
The biggest thing I learned was to not judge a book by its cover, and to be less judgmental in general. It's important to not jump to conclusions, and as you get older and more experienced, you learn to take things in stride, both on the job and in the community.
Who are some other people who you think deserve some credit?
My family first of all: My wife, Kayla, and kids – Sean, Breanna, Andrew, Colin and Giuliana. They and my bosses help support the things I do.
Deb Kelly, the regional director for Special Olympics in Illinois, she's a huge help getting events coordinated. Also the actual athletes in the Special Olympics – seeing their joy makes all of the fundraising worth it.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
That's a hard one, I think I'd have to choose something for work, like X-ray vision or invisibility. Something that would help me be the most productive at work.
Who are your role models?
My dad, for sure, Terry Messer. He coached me in sports growing up, but was also just a great dad. He would do anything for his kids.
Also Mike Papoccia, he's like a second father. He taught me a lot of life lessons about hard work and doing things the right way.
What is your favorite quote?
I've got a couple, but my two favorites are from J.J. Watt and Kevin Durant.
The J.J. Watt quote is, "Success isn't owned, it's leased, and the rent is due every day."
The Kevin Durant quote is, "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."