7-Foot-3 “Gentle Giant” Jordan Wilmore Sworn in as America’s Tallest Police Officer

A towering 7-foot-3 former college and overseas basketball player just traded in potential pro hoops dreams for a badge and a beat in a small Texas town and the internet can’t get enough.

Jordan “Tiny” Wilmore has been hired as a police officer by the Kemah Police Department this week. His swearing-in ceremony has gone viral after a video of it was published online. The clip shows a new officer, who has joined the force as a result of his impressive basketball career, high-fiving a colleague on his tiptoes after congratulating him.

The 25-year-old former athlete played basketball at the college level for teams such as Northwestern State and Texas A&M-Commerce. He also competed in the Philippines in the international leagues. Nevertheless, his career goals were set on public service. “I’ve always had a desire and a goal to become a police officer,” he says. “I like to serve the community and be able to help people.”

The challenge that the main character faced was failing the TCOLE exam, which is required to become a commissioned police officer, by one point after graduating from the police academy. He did not give up and Shaquille O’Neal’s NBA superstar offered to pay for Wilmore’s return to the academy to retake the exam so that he would have the chance to continue his career without having to do another job since he promised to cover all the expenses and supported him throughout the entire process by offering to buy him a patrol car.

“I’ve never been known to quit,”

Said Wilmore after the swearing-in ceremony, where his mother pinned on his badge.

The Kemah Police Department went the extra mile to make it work, customizing his uniform, gear, and patrol vehicle to fit his frame. Chief Raymond Garivey has been a strong supporter, praising Wilmore’s character.

“He wants to serve, he has a passion to serve,”

The chief said. Garivey added that in his long career, he’s never seen anyone quite like Wilmore and highlighted the new officer’s “servant’s heart.”

The response from the public has ranged from admiration, appreciation and even laughter as people admire his ability to persevere and his community-oriented personality, especially working on his “blessing box” filled with food and other necessities, along with his girlfriend.