Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 2-21-20

Feature
Popular Couple Retires From Tampa Police Department
BY MONIQUE STAMPS Sentinel Feature Writer
The City of Tampa and the Tampa Police Department lost two great assets recently when Major Yvette Flynn and Captain Michael Flynn retired.
The Flynns were close al- lies and friends of the neigh- borhoods in District 3, which includes Downtown, Ybor and East Tampa, specifically the East Tampa Community Revi- talization Partnership. Both were captains in District 3, with Michael Flynn imme- diately succeeding his wife. Major Yvette Flynn retired as one of the highest-ranking women in TPD.
Both are known for their fair treatment of residents and making a difference for the aging population in the area. Major Flynn was nicknamed “little mama” for her habit of lecturing young offenders.
Captain Flynn stresses there are good people every- where. When assigned to the Robles Park area, he decided to walk the beat to get to know the people and let them know that he was there and avail- able. He gave out his cell num- ber frequently, and the residents started calling. Some still call, and he always answers and tries to help.
It was rough at times, but Capt. Flynn states,” When those people are sitting in their living rooms and hear a shot, they need someone to protect them.” Having activi- ties like Coffee with a Cop were essential to get to know the residents and let the resi- dents get to know them.
Both Flynns feel that by partnering with the people in the neighborhood and being visible in those areas, they
were able to work together with the residents. It is some- thing that both passed along to the officers and detectives working under them.
Major Flynn says that, “genuine relationships with community leaders is so im- portant. We needed and en- couraged their input.”
Major Flynn tells people wanting to get into law en- forcement that, ‘if you don’t have a heart for people, this isn’t the right job for you. “You are seeing people at their worst time of need or crisis,” she states. And they both chose to handle issues de- pending on the person or sit- uation.
Sometimes a police report wasn’t the answer, instead they provided more immedi- ate support.
Major Flynn was born and raised in the worst part of New York City, the South Bronx. Her family was very poor, and she remembers get- ting food stamps and standing in line for necessities at a food bank. She has always strived to treat everybody with re- spect, regardless of race, eth- nicity or social status.
The couple shares this value and believes that every- one deserves respect and to have their concerns heard.
The couple feels that they are very blessed, and every- thing they have is a gift. They believe strongly in paying it back. Major Yvette is a sup- porter of the Spring, a shelter for battered women and their children, and she sits on its board of directors.
The couple met when Major Flynn became a po- lice officer 21 years ago. When she started, one of her train- ing officers was Michael Flynn. After training, they
RETIRED CAPTAIN MICHAEL AND MAJOR YVETTE FLYNN
became friends and continued their friendship as they both rose through the police de- partment. Eventually, Michael asked Yvette out on a date and the rest fell into place.
Both had custody of their children from previous mar- riages, so they instantly be- came a family of seven, with five children ages 7 to 15.
It wasn’t easy. In the early years, they often worked dif- ferent shifts. Hurricanes, hol- idays and natural disasters were especially difficult, when both would be called for duty. With the help of family and great neighbors, they were able to ensure their own chil- dren were safe.
They faced these obstacles with tenacity and persever- ance. Today, the kids are all well-rounded and well-ad- justed.
They avoided talking shop in front of the children and tried not to let the pressure of police work get to them. They were each other’s sounding board and made sure to have friends that were outside of the police force.
They credit involvement with their church as another positive force in their lives. Police work is a high adrena- line job, but together, they were able to keep each grounded.
The Flynns plan to enjoy their retirement to the fullest. They own a travel agency and have several trips planned over the next year.
In addition to traveling around the world, they plan on reconnecting with friends and family across the country.
Major Yvette wants to write a book about the power of women police officers.
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