By Bonnie Culverhouse

She was born and reared in Minden. Talton and Carolina streets were part of her domain. She wanted to be a police officer because she liked helping people.

She once talked a man off a bridge and now she hopes to help build a bridge in the community as Minden’s first-ever Deputy Chief of Police – Tokia Whiting-Harrison.

“First, I wanted to be a paramedic, but I just always wanted to do something to help people,” Harrison said. “My heart was in serving and doing for people.”

For years, Harrison worked other jobs, groceries stores and businesses. When the idea of becoming a police officer was pitched to her, help came from former councilpersons Fayrine Kennon-Gilbert and Theron Winzer.

“That was in 2005,” she said. “It took me a couple of years to get (Chief) Bloxom to hire me on.”

She said Mildred Johnson, Julie Harmon and Debbie Haynes were already onboard, but she was the first female Bloxom hired as chief.

“Being in a male dominated career … it isn’t for the weak,” Harrison said. “I’ve had my moments where I went home crying, but no one else saw it. I developed thicker skin. I’m stronger, but I have a tendency to stand up for other people more than for myself.”

Harrison, who is currently the School Resource Officer at Minden High School, said patrolling and being a SRO are very different, but she’s enjoyed her time at both.

“On patrol, you don’t deal with as many people,” she said. “At school, you’re interacting with kids all day. And I just want to be a positive light to them.”

Not only does she deal with people and children, Harrison also deals with fur babies.

District Attorney Schuyler Marvin said one of his friends who owned an Irish Setter, asked Harrison to come by his house and check on his dog while he was out of town.

“I have her on video throwing a ball and playing with the Irish Setter,” Marvin said. “That’s a little above and beyond just going by to make sure the house hasn’t burned down.”

In 2022, Harrison was named Minden’s Woman of the Year.

“Oh, man. I was surprised,” she said. “I thought ‘Lord, you’re showing out!’ It feels good to know they see good in me, and that’s all I want to know. I want people to see God’s light in me. I put Him first.”

In addition to deputy chief and police officer, Harrison is a wife and mother. Her daughter, Sha Whiting, is a registered nurse in the emergency room at Minden Medical Center.

“I raised her as a single parent,” Harrison said. “That’s my heart. We have a bond like no other, and I want to make her proud.”

A couple of years ago, she married Shaun Harrison. Their wedding and reception brought together the community like few other events.

“I remember at my wedding reception, my uncle told me that nobody else could do what I just did,” she said. “I asked him what, uncle? He said I’ve never seen whites and blacks party before and have a good time. He said this was nice. Everybody was up there dancing all together. That made me feel good.

“I want to be one of those who can do that,” Harrison continued. “I love everybody. I’ve always been a leader, but not to this extent. I am taking on a whole new thing.”

Her goal is to learn and “be there to be that balance. Be there for my guys with an open ear. I want to see both sides, and take some stuff off Police Chief’s plate.”

Harrison’s new position was approved unanimously by the Fire and Police Civil Service Board and Minden City Council. She was also approved Monday as the interim Deputy Chief.

“This is a historic day for Minden,” Chief Jared McIver said. “There is no better person for this job … for a lot of reasons.”

McIver said Harrison will serve as interim chief until she passes the civil service board test. Then she will be the deputy chief.

“I’m ready for the ride and the journey,” Harrison said.