Tyron’s aim is community safety

AS a child, Tyron Powell, always dreamed of working as a police officer, catching criminals and helping others. He even had his own makeshift detective office in his bedroom, equipped with toy guns, a notebook and imaginary bad guys. Fast forward 30 years, and the Sunningdale resident is living his dream. His dedication and passion for protecting residents in Durban North led him to start up one of the most successful security companies in the area, Marshall Security.

His loyal service to the Durban North and uMhlanga community has also seen him win a number of awards in his lifetime.

Northglen News recently caught up with the former George Campbell pupil to find out where it all started.

“My uncle was a police reservist and I always loved just sitting near him, listening to his stories.I wanted to emulate him, I saw him put on the police uniform and thought how awesome it was,” he explained. This led a young 14-year-old to volunteer with the neighbourhood watch.

“Jason Arnold and I volunteered and though we were too young to be part of the watch, we would go around the area checking on houses and leaving a suggestion letter in the post box. We had a checklist and we would tick the appropriate box and suggest either the residents close their windows or keep their garage doors closed.”

Powell eventually joined as police reservist at the Greenwood Park police station at the age of 16.

“I can safely say I wasn’t interested in science or other subjects going through school. But I knew I had to pass to be able to reach my dream. So through my uncle’s example I was finally able to become a police reservist. It was a dream come true, I was good at chasing and catching criminals,” he said. His youthful appearance also led to one of his first arrests. “I went undercover as a teenager buying drugs from a dealer in Effingham and through that we managed to arrest the dealer soon after.”

It was to be the catalyst for Powell’s career.

“I was approached by some residents who suggested starting up a security company. I approached my mate, Dave Campbell (co-owner of Marshall Security), who is a reservist and suggested starting it up. And so, Marshall Security was born. We chose the name, Marshall, because of the US Marshall Service. The badge design on our logo, is similar to a Marshalls badge. We started with about three people at first and now have about 1 000 staff members working for the group,” he said.

In his time as a police reservist, vehicle tracking employee, security company owner and active community member, the 35-year-old has made more than 250 arrests in his glittering career spanning almost 20 years.

On his achievement he said “For me, receiving awards is a humbling experience but it is not my motivation or my sole focus. I have an obsession to help people, it’s extremely rewarding knowing you can make a difference to someone else’s life. I don’t do this for recognition I have a passion to serve the community.”

 

Knowing Tyron Powell 

Name five words that best describe you: “I would say I’m soft hearted, trustworthy, dedicated, caring and passionate.”

What do you think about when you’re alone in your car? “Mainly about business ideas to help combat crime, which is always changing.”

What makes you angry? “Crime and criminals who prey on the fear of others.”

Name one thing we don’t know about you: “I still have my first toys ever given to me. There were two teddy bears, Puppy Love and Kitty Meow. They are now in my cupboard at home and my grandmother has had to sew them up a number of times over the years. They have sentimental value to me though.”

What is your strongest family memory? “Besides my uncle, my grandfather was someone I always looked up to. My strongest memory of him was his singing. He used to love Louis Armstrong and every time I hear ‘What A Wonderful World’ I think of him”

Community heroes 

Gary lives for his true calling (Community Hero 1)