Community Corner
Son Follows In Mom's Footsteps As Clearwater Police Officer
Family photos show 5-year-old William Spelman posing in an oversized Clearwater police uniform belonging to his mother, Laura.
CLEARWATER, FL — Family photos show 5-year-old William Spelman posing in an oversized Clearwater police uniform belonging to his mother, Laura.
His mother, now a lieutenant, joined the Clearwater Police Department in 1994 and was already a seasoned officer when her son, Will, was born.
A family photo shows a 5-year-old Will Spelman dressed up in his mother's police uniform.
Will Spelman recalls the feeling of pride at seeing his mother, dressed in her police uniform, head off to work every day. He said he was determined to follow in her footsteps.
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On March 15, Lt. Laura Spelman couldn't contain her smile as she watched her son realize his childhood dream. Will Spelman was officially sworn in as a member of the Clearwater Police Department's newest class of nine officers.
Having grown up in a law enforcement family, Will Spelman said he has no illusions about the job. He knows it can be dangerous. In the past three months, the Clearwater Police Department has participated in the funeral processions of three Tampa Bay law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
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"I'll never take a day for granted," he said. "A lot can happen quickly."
Likewise, he realizes that police officers today aren't universally admired in the same way he idolized his mother as a youngster. However, when he raised his right hand and vowed to uphold the law, he also promised to abide by the high standards Clearwater Police Chief Dan Slaughter sets for his officers and, in the process, chip away at the misconceptions people have about the police.
"We're very proud of him and all he's accomplished," Lt. Spelman said. "I feel honored that he's following in my footsteps."
Mother and son won't work together for long, however.
Lt. Spelman is set to retire this month after 26 years on the job. She said she purposely planned to retire after her son was sworn in.
"One of the reasons I'm retiring now is because he's here, and I want to allow him to have his own career," she said.
As she says goodbye to her fellow officers, she said she knows she's leaving her son in good hands.
"If he's going to be a police officer, I'm glad he's doing it here," she said.
With his mother, Lt. Laura Spelman looking on, Will Spelman was sworn in as a Clearwater police officer March 15.
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