There are many people who work hard ensuring everything at Tallowood goes smoothly but their effort is mostly unseen. Craig Williams is one of those people.
For the last 10 years, Williams has served as Tallowood’s security coordinator. In this role he is responsible for all security matters and ensuring that people are safe and secure while attending church functions. Williams supervises the group of four police officers who patrol the campus and manage traffic on Sunday mornings. He also schedules the officers that protect Tallowood during the week.
Williams’ job is to help make Tallowood a safe place to worship and fellowship. As part of the series to look behind the obvious at the church, Tallowoodtalking interviewed this 29-year veteran of the Houston Police Department.
Q: How long have you worked at Tallowood?
A: I have had the pleasure of working at Tallowood since August of 1999. I must say that it has been a pleasurable experience and I don’t view as a job.
Q: What does a typical Sunday entail for you?
A: On a typical Sunday, I make sure all of my officers are at their assignments and they are all equipped with radios. I walk around to make sure nothing out or the ordinary is occurring before I make my way into the sanctuary. As I’m sitting in the services I’m constantly looking, being aware of any potential problem that could disrupt the normal flow.
Q: What are the various assignments of the officers on campus?
A: The officers are assigned to work in the child care building, patrol the campus, traffic and parking lot assignments. We also ensure the buildings are empty and locked at the end of evening activities.
Q: What do you currently do for the Houston Police Department?
A: I am a Lieutenant with the Houston Police Department, and I am currently assigned to the Gang Division. I am in charge of two investigative squads. We work with various Federal agencies to disrupt and dismantle organized streets gangs involved in criminal activities.
Q: What jobs have you done in the past for HPD? How long have you worked for HPD?
A: I have been a Police Officer for 29 years, and I have had the opportunity to work in the following divisions: Recruiting, Homicide, Financial Crimes, Robbery, Internal Affairs, Office of the Inspector General, Narcotics, Patrol.
The experiences and knowledge I have attained from each assignment has help me to become a well rounded, seasoned officer. I have been blessed to work some of the best men and women the department has and I learned things from each and every one of them.
Q: What has it been like working at Tallowood?
A: Working at Tallowood has been a blessing for me, I started working here at a time in my life when I needed an osmosis. The members, employees and staff have opened their arms, hearts and have shared many experiences with me. I know that I am loved here and I hope I return it, because I really try.
Q: What is it like to sit in three services on Sunday? Do you have the sermon memorized by the last service?
A: Sitting through 3 services is rewarding, I get an opportunity to meet and/or see the multitude. The group dynamics between the 3 services changes in every one. For those who are wondering, the sermon delivered by Pastor Brooks for each service varies somewhat, but maintains its consistency.
Q: Is there anything the congregation can do to improve safety and security on campus?
A: Members and visitors should be aware of their surroundings while attending. I know we are at church, and you should feel safe, but criminals now target the sanctity of the church. Don’t leave valuables in your car, (Ipods, cell phones, lap tops, etc) – it only takes seconds to have them removed from your vehicle. Always know where your children are while they are attending, and report any suspicious person or activity to the staff and/or security personnel.
