NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is supporting a 24-year-old man's dream of becoming the tallest police officer in Texas, per KHOU.
Jordan Wilmore, a 24-year-old aspiring Kemah police officer who stands 7 feet 3 inches tall, recently completed the police academy and sat for the Texas state peace officer exam. Wilmore scored a 69, just one point short of the 70 required to pass.
“At first I was down, but I thought, you know, I’m still young,” Wilmore said. “You fail, you get right back up. Can’t be too quick to quit.”
Wilmore's story caught the attention of Kemah Police Chief Raymond Garivey and O'Neal, who is himself a certified peace officer.
“In my 34-year career, I’ve seen others fail, but I also see others give up,” Garivey said. “Once they’re done, they’re done. That’s not the case here. He wants to serve.”
O’Neal personally contacted Garivey via FaceTime and offered to help Wilmore reattempt the academy by sponsoring his next try.
“I want him to really focus on this because it’s commendable that a kid wants to be an officer,” O’Neal said. “I love cops. They made me who I am.”
O’Neal’s also promised Wilmore a custom-made vehicle once he passes the exam and officially becomes the tallest police officer in Texas.
“I’m really thankful for him helping me out and being there, and being a mentor for helping me through this,” Wilmore said.
O’Neal said he understands how challenging the test can be, as it took him several years to complete the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Academy.
“It actually took me five to seven years to graduate,” O’Neal said. “I wanted to let him know he’s got my full support. I’m going to be on you, brother, make sure you get it done.”
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