Ex-Globetrotter Hired To Be Southington PD's Newest Cop

SOUTHINGTON, CT — No, Southington Police Department cruisers will not be playing "Sweet Georgia Brown" as a siren call when rushing to a scene.

But forgive the SPD's newest police officer if he should exit his vehicle and spin a basketball on his finger.

That's because the SPD last week swore in its newest policeman, Officer Tyrone Clark, who played for the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters a few years ago.

Tyrone "Crash" Clark played for the Globetrotters after playing at Fredonia State University in New York.

A 6-feet-4-inch forward, "Crash" isn't just a nickname. It will soon be part of his police work.

In addition to hoops, however, Clark also has a career in law enforcement.

"Officer Clark joins our department with a strong background in law enforcement, having previously served with the Saint Petersburg Police Department in Florida," wrote the SPD.

During his career there, Clark was assigned to both the Property Crimes Unit and the Human Exploitation and Trafficking (H.E.A.T.) Unit, where he gained extensive experience in complex investigations, evidence collection, and collaborative case work, wrote the SPD.

Before his detective assignments, Clark served as a patrol officer and was actively involved in youth engagement and community outreach through the Police Athletic League.

The SPD, however, said he brings a "unique background" in coaching and athletics to the department regarding his Globetrotter past.

Clark played for Globetrotter legend "Sweet" Lou Dunbar, who you might remember seeing on ABC's Wide World of Sports in the 1970s/1980s when the comedic basketball team was a network staple.

The SPD said Clark worked extensively with youth programs— "further reflecting his commitment to mentorship and community involvement."

Clark was to begin field training on Monday, Feb. 2, and, since he's already an accredited law enforcement officer, he doesn't need to attend the academy.

"We are excited to welcome him to the Southington Police Department and look forward to his service to our community," wrote the SPD.

To read a feature story on Clark by Fredonia State University, click on this link.