Friends and Neighbors: Henderson Bryson

"Be the change you wish to see in the world," a quote from Mahatma Gandhi, rings true to many, but Officer Henderson Bryson's story lives out this positive outlook.

Born and raised in Detroit, Mich., Bryson was in the foster care system for many years, bouncing around to different homes and families.

Despite, and perhaps because of, his tough back story, Bryson made believers out of many fellow graduates of Henry Ford High School in Detroit before moving on to become a Captain in the Marine Corps, from 1995-97. He followed that with six years of service as a reservist.

Making a cross country move to Cheyenne, Wyo., nearly 20 years ago, was a great thing for Bryson.

"In Cheyenne, I worked for the Laramie County Sheriffs Office, then working for FCS Group Home for two years, I helped kids of all ages and all backgrounds make something more of their life," he said. "I couldn't help them all, but I know I made a difference to many. To this day I still get calls from young adults I have helped in the past, thanking me for the knowledge I have passed on."

Bryson began experiencing health issues in 2009 and he received a kidney transplant from his own sister.

"With my health starting to slide downhill, I started my own business as a Private Investigator and Security," he said.

Through all his trials, Bryson still did what he loved to do, help children.

"At this time I have five of my children living with me, but I have fostered and taken in many over the years," he said.

He listed his children, including Micah, who is eight, Lexie 10, Makahi 12, Bailey 17, Marcus 18, Tyson 18, Kalean 18, Alex 18, Ryan 21, Vanessa 22, and Ashli 27, adding to the count, Bryson also has six grandchildren.

"I would have a million children if I could afford it. I just love helping kids," he added. "My wife Jessica is my rock. We have been together for nine years and married for six now, and I couldn't have done any of this without her."

His family moved to Kimball with the support of local business owners, Alan and Lindsey Chavez and Bryson's commitment to his newest home is evident while he talks about Kimball.

"I have been welcomed with open arms, its like one big neighborhood, whether someone knows you or not they wave and say hello," he said. "I want to be a great asset to the community; I look forward to meeting everyone."

The drive to help shaped his career decisions throughout the years, and being a police officer is just one more way to help others.

"I have wanted to be a police officer since I was five years old. We never had a lot of money so I would make paper badges and carry a stick that was shaped like a gun in my pocket all around," he said. When I got the news Chief Bremer was looking for a new officer I knew this is where I needed to be."

Though he loves his new hometown, Bryson holds dear to his roots as well.

"I have a lot of family still in Detroit, they are all so supportive, and so proud of all I have accomplished," Bryson concluded. "I believe in justice, honesty, and fairness, and I am made up of honor, courage and commitment. I want to make this community proud."