Many evenings along the Strip, University of Alabama Police Department (UAPD) officers noticed the same determined figure, pedaling through the night, rain or shine, cold or hot, delivering food on his bicycle. UA student Raymond Woods’ determination was fueled by his need to pay his bills and stay in school.
Officer Doug Best and the UAPD Strip Unit, including Sgt. Brad Thomas and Officers Will Clark and Marc McAlister, first spoke with Raymond when they noticed he was riding a rented University Recreation bike after dark without lights. Raymond told the officers he was riding all over Tuscaloosa and even into Northport to make deliveries. They also saw how damaged his rented bike had become after others on the Strip had knocked it over and stepped on it.
The officers discussed pooling their money to get Raymond his own bike. However, Raymond explained he would not have a place to store it over the summer when he went home. Officer Best told him to come find him on The Strip once classes started again. On the first day of the new semester, Raymond did exactly that.
“Raymond is a great kid with a big heart for everyone. No matter what kind of weather, you would see him out there working hard. Even when his rented bike would break down, he would walk food orders up to a couple of miles away from the Strip restaurants,” said Officer Best. “We all started to keep an eye out for him, watching over him, helping with his bike when it was broken so he could work, and he always had the biggest smile and was so thankful for us helping.”
Officer Best shared that being part of UAPD means more than responding to crime. He believes officers should mentor students, listen to them, and help them grow. He and his wife, Amy, love being part of campus life and supporting students who may be far from home and in need of encouragement.
Wanting to help Raymond in a lasting way, Officer Best reached out to Student Care and Well-Being (SCWB). Dr. Hunter Christian, the director of SCWB, worked intentionally to get Raymond a new bike, along with a lock and a bike rack.
“Student Care & Well-being is always looking for ways to help our students and let them know they are not alone,” said Hunter Christian.
Raymond was invited to the Student Care & Well-Being office for what he thought was a regular meeting. Instead, he was surprised with a brand-new bike. He said it was the best gift he had ever received.
“I usually just try to rely on myself. That was just the way my mom and dad raised me,” said Raymond. “I really appreciate it.”
But staff from Student Care & Well-Being assured Raymond that it’s okay to accept a little help now and again, which is a reminder we all need from time to time. Officer Best said he felt just as happy as Raymond that day.
“It felt good to help a great kid out trying to support him. The staff went above and beyond what I thought was going to happen. They are just an amazing staff over at Student Care & Well-Being, who also want to see our students succeed in life,” said Officer Best.
Since then, Raymond often stops by the Strip to thank Officer Best. For everyone involved, this moment was a reminder of what it means to truly care for one another. It shows how students, officers, and staff can come together to make a difference in someone’s life.
“We don’t want any student leaving UA without having a great time and experience. We want them all to graduate, become perfect role models wherever they land in the world, and talk great about their time at The University of Alabama,” said Officer Best.