EASLEY – Master Patrol Officer Tyler Evans of the Easley Police Department has always had a passion for police work and respect for the uniform.

“I have always been interested in law enforcement,” Evans said. “While I was in high school, I was in the ROTC and it taught me a lot about discipline and respect. It led me in the direction of either a career in law enforcement or the military.”

Evans said that being able to help others was also an important aspect of his career decision.

Evans is a 2005 graduate of Easley High School and a lifelong resident of Pickens County.

“I grew up in Easley,” Evans said. “I played on the football team all four years of high school and I also ran track. It was the best time of my life. It was fun growing up here and being part of the community.”

Following high school, Evans attended Tri-County Technical College and is currently nearing the completion of the Criminal Justice Program.

“At the end of high school, I started at Tri-County Tech to earn a degree in Criminal Justice,” Evans said. “Before I earned my degree, I got the opportunity to attend North Greenville College and play football, but I learned that North Greenville did not offer a Criminal Justice degree so I decided to return to Tri-County.”

Evans career in law enforcement began as a patrol officer for the Easley Police Department on Feb. 18, 2008 and he graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy that same year.

“Being that I am a resident of Easley, working for the local police department feels good because I can give back to the community,” Evans said. “I have seen a lot of people that I grew up with and I have been able to help them.”

Evans was promoted to Master Patrol Officer in 2011, is data master certified, and is on the Tactical Response Unit.

“I am a member of the tactical team at the police department,” Evans said. “I think it is an outstanding asset to the police department. We go out on emergency situations, whether it is a hostage situation or armed robbery. We are going to start serving high risk warrants and drug warrants, and having a tactical advantage is beneficial to the officers.”

Evans has been married for three years.