“Every day is different in police work,” said James Whitmire, an officer for the City of Auburn Police Department. Patrolling the city and responding to a variety of different calls in potentially dangerous situations, while interacting with people from diverse backgrounds is a major part of being a police officer.
“Auburn is unique,” said the Faulkner alumnus. “I enjoy working with great men and women who push me to be better every day.”
Born in San Francisco, California, Whitmire was only eight years old when his family moved to Ozark, Alabama. He graduated from Carroll High School in 2016, where he met his wife, Taylor, who also attended Faulkner and was a member of the soccer team. In the fall of 2016, he began his journey at Faulkner where he played baseball and was a manager for the volleyball team. He graduated with his Bachelor’s of Science in History and earned the Social Studies Department award in 2020. In 2024, he was honored as the Accomplished Alumnus for the Social and Behavioral Sciences’ Marketplace Faith Friday Forums.
Whitmire is quick to credit his time at Faulkner for shaping the officer he is today. He also discovered something more during his college years: the importance of faith and building lasting relationships.
“The two most important things that my Faulkner professors taught me are patience and using my work for Christ,” Whitmire said. “Taking time to slow down, talk, and more importantly listen, is key in what I do. No matter the situation, I want others to see Christ through me and my actions.”
Faulkner University is known for its commitment to providing a faith-based education, and Whitmire continues to stay in touch with both professors and fellow students. He believes that education at Faulkner is more than just earning a degree; it’s about growing as a person and fostering meaningful connections.
Whitmire attributes much of his ability to handle the pressures of his job in law enforcement to his strong faith. “I have to remember my work is for the Lord, I am the vessel,” he said. “Without patience, my job would be more difficult than it already is.”
Even on tough days, Whitmire finds strength in his faith, which keeps him grounded and focused. “Being firm in my Christianity has gotten me through days that are tougher than others,” he said.
For Whitmire, every call and every interaction is an opportunity to live out his faith and serve his community in a meaningful way.
