Determined not to be a statistic and even more determined to change the youth’s perception of law enforcement in his community, Tommy (unlike most his peers) chose to pursue higher education at Jackson State University. There he decided on a major he felt would give him greater understanding of that which caused so much hate and separation in his community and that major was criminal justice. At this point weight training became a constant in his life and he used it to maintain focus and self discipline which had a positive impact on his studies. A few short years later coupled with a little hard work and determination Tommy J. Harrison earned his bachelors degree.
Upon receiving his degree, he returned to Chicago taking a job as assistant wrestling coach at his alma mater Englewood High School. This also happened to be the place where he began taking weight training seriously. While coaching he acquired another position as a case manager for B.E.W Mental Health Center. As much as he enjoyed both jobs, he could not escape his passion for the justice system. After 3 years of playing dual roles he finally stepped into the role that he’d been preparing for since childhood. On a hot day in July, Tommy graduated once again, but this was the graduation that would change his life forever! Tommy J. Harrrison completed his stint in the academy and became a Chicago Police Officer.
After 2 years of service as Chicago’s finest Tommy was influenced by a detective comrade to compete in the End Zone bench press competition where he placed 3rd overall. Unfortunately that same year he lost the World Police/ Fireman Games missing all of his lifts. Not one to quit, Tommy came back the next year and broke the Police/ Fireman state record. A year later he won 1st place at the End Zone bench press competition where he took 3rd just 2 years prior. This was followed by a string of broken records and wins in several categories including bench press, power lifts, squats and dead lifts. All of these were great accomplishments in physical fitness but no win felt as fulfilling as the one he received November 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. There he took home the title of “The Worlds Strongest Police Officer” by the World Association of Bench Pressers and Dead Lifters (W.A.B.D.L).
Tommy has dedicated his life to a couple of things; Being a loving husband to his wife and a role model for his son, physical fitness and public safety. There are a growing number of individuals who are suffering from health related illnesses due to a lack of exercise and a proper diet. We are also losing children by the thousands to street related incidence that could’ve been avoided with proper education, support and understanding. Tommy wants to be an example for some and a role model to others, by showing the world that a kid from the highest crime rated area of Chicago who was told he’ll never be anything but dead, on drugs or jail can make a difference. “We have to exercise our mind, body and spirit at all times. One doesn’t work without the other. Proper education strengthens our mind, proper exercise and diet strengthens our body and meditation and prayer strengthens our spirit. I know I’m a constant work in progress but at least I’m working!” He makes a strong point and what he said could be considered law being that he is The Worlds Strongest Police Officer.