WS Chronicle

The Winston-Salem Police Department officer who apprehended a shooter at Carver High School this fall has again been saluted for his bravery.

Winston-Salem Police Officer Tim Wilson poses with his latest honor.

State Sen. Earline Parmon presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Officer Tim Wilson, a 25-year veteran of the department, Monday at the Public Safety Center. Wilson received the department’s Medal of Valor on Oct. 16, joining an elite group of WSPD employees who have received the honor, which is reserved for those who perform “unselfishly without regard for personal safety in a manner that far exceeds department standards and prevent an imminent loss of life or serious injury.” He will be honored Dec. 11 by the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #8.

Wilson sprung into action Aug. 30 at Carver High School after a student discharged a firearm during a fire drill, injuring another student. Wilson identified and apprehended the shooter immediately, preventing any further fallout from the violent outburst.

“It’s not often that we get the opportunity to honor the people that protect us in our community for doing such positive things,” said Parmon, who presented the award on behalf of the Forsyth County Legislative Delegation, which she chairs. “…It was heroic what he did and the way that he handled the situation and I just felt it was important that the state recognize him with this award.”

As part of the honor, Wilson’s name will join the ranks of other Certificate of Appreciation honorees, whose names are enshrined in the Senate archives, Parmon said. His appropriate and timely response in a time of upheaval are indicative of a level of professionalism Parmon says she has often observed among WSPD employees.

“I think we have one of the best police departments in the State of North Carolina,” she declared. “Officer Wilson exemplifies one of the many fine officers that this department has.”
Police Chief Barry Rountree also had words of praise for his officer.

Wilson was congratulated by Police Chief Barry Rountree at the ceremony.

“He did an extraordinary job. He’s an asset to this department. He’s an asset to Carver High School – they love him there,” he declared. “Based on the way things happened, things could’ve gone totally different, but based on his training, his experience, his love for the kids and the school, everything turned out positive.”

Wilson said he is grateful that he was able to react in time to diffuse the situation before it escalated.

“It was just unexpected,” he said of the shooting. “I feel that it turned out great, considering … there are a lot of innocent people that was not hurt that could’ve been.”

Wilson, a city native and father of four, said he is humbled by the outpouring of support and gratitude he has received in the wake of the shooting.

“I appreciate everybody that came out and I appreciate Ms. Parmon for presenting this award,” Wilson said in accepting his certificate in the Public Safety Center Auditorium before a room full of his peers on Monday. “I’m just glad that I was there at Carver at that time and responded to the situation as needed.”

Wilson, an alumnus of North Forsyth High School, began working as a school resource officer two years ago.

“It’s been great,” he said of the post. “I know a lot of the kids. I’ve been in the community for awhile.”

An avid photographer and youth football coach, Wilson said getting to interact with the students and serve as a positive role model for them is one of the greatest perks of his job.

Officer Tim Wilson with his wife Lisa and State Sen. Earline Parmon (left).

“(I enjoy) just helping the kids more or less, trying to show them something positive to look for and talk to, letting them know that the police is not just there for a criminal aspect,” said Wilson, who was joined by his wife, fellow WSPD employee Lisa Wilson, at the ceremony. “We are there to help.”

Although he appreciates the accolades, Wilson said just being able to do his job well is his biggest reward.

“I’m not a limelight person so this is just not usual for me – I’m just that officer just trying to do his job,” he said just before leaving the ceremony to head back to his post at Carver. “This is nice, but I’d rather do what I’m paid to do.”