Knoxville Police Department Officer Lynn Clemons was raised in the Lonsdale community and is an Austin-East graduate. He has dedicated his life to bettering his city one kid at a time.

For over two decades, Clemons has dedicated his life to serve and protect the people of Knoxville. That includes when he’s off the clock as well, going above and beyond to ensure the area’s younger residents stay on the right path.

“I want them to be positive and to know if they need someone to help them with life or to talk to them, I’m going to be there for them. I want to be that guy  If it’s 5 in the morning, you can call me,” he said.

“It’s just amazing how much time he spends with them and all the other stuff that he does. He’s just always there for our kids when they need him. And they love him. They do,” said parent Vernon Corum.

From working various camps to coaching football, Clemons has dedicated his life to helping Knoxville’s kids, and in the process, building a bridge of trust.

” A lot of them know when I come on the scene, I don’t try to be ‘Mr. Bad Police.’ I try to be a friend. Even though I’m in position to do other things., I might could help you out too,” said Clemons.

“I think they see what a good man he is and that he is an amazing person and a good role model. I think they see it,” said parent Rebecca Sutton.

“If you need that help, you need that guidance, I want to be that person,” said Clemons. “I get a lot of calls from people, ‘Hey, my son acted bad can you come talk to him?’ I do that all the time. People don’t know that, but I talk to kids and it’s okay because someone has to do it. So why not me? It doesn’t bother me. I love to do it.”

Clemons volunteers his time to sports camps, boot camps for at-risk students, Emerald Youth, as well as youth football. He shared his advice for someone who wants to volunteer his or her time but doesn’t have a lot of time to give.

“So be positive, touch someone, be kind to someone every day. Just be genuine. That’s all you got to do,” he said.

He says, if anything, reach out and call a friend. He says if you don’t know what a person is going through on any given day, that one simple call could save his or her life.

Each month, WATE 6 On Your Side anchor Bo Williams is profiling police officers, firefighters, EMS workers and other first responders who go above and beyond, both in uniform and in civilian life, as part of our new series called “Behind the Badge.”

If you would like to nominate someone, email bowilliams@wate.com.