My name is Tom Savage and I was born and raised in the Texas panhandle. Growing up, two things always interested me. The first was law enforcement and the second was the military. I had my first opportunity for service with the military. I received Congressional nominations and appointments to attend the US Military Academy at West Point, the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, and the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. I chose the Air Force Academy and four years later, I graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree. While in the Air Force, I flew helicopters, was a missile combat crew member, and a command post emergency actions controller. I also married my wonderful wife while in the Air Force.
There is an adage that says, “if the military wanted you to have a family, they would have issued you one”. I chose to separate from the military, pursue my second interest and start a family. I attended the Arlington Texas Police Academy and graduated valedictorian of my class. I was also the first in my class to become a Field Training Officer and the first in my class to promote to sergeant. While working at APD, I was awarded a Police Officer’s Award, a Life Saving Award, and nominated for Supervisor of the Year five times. I retired from the Arlington Police Department to spend more time with our only son before he left for college. He received a Congressional nomination and appointment to attend the US Naval Academy. He graduated from there in 2018 and is now serving in the Navy.
Retirement was not for me, so I went back to work. I worked at BNSF railroad for a while but missed working with officers. I then went to the Tarrant County Hospital District PD where I learned of an opening at UT Arlington. I applied and in doing so, made the best choice of my career. While at UT Arlington, I finished my Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice and was named Sworn Supervisor of the Year for 2017. I am incredibly proud to be associated with the staff that comprises the UT System Police and everything we stand for, “Vital, Visible, Vigilant”.
