Patrol captain nominated for fathering award at YWCA

FATHER KNOWS BEST: Tyree Harris II nominated his father, also named Tyree, for a fathering award from the YWCA.

Jamie Teibel
Summer Editor

When Tyree Harris II wakes up in the morning the first thing he asks is, "Where's dad?" When his dad gives him a kiss he lets it stay on his cheek, but mom's kiss gets wiped away. Tyree II, 6, loves his dad so much that he nominated him for the fathering award given by the Young Women's Christian Association.

"The first thing I thought (when I nominated him) is because he's the best dad and I get twice more trophies in my room," said Tyree II. "He came to my class in his uniform and he cooks cookies for us every night."

Tyree, captain of patrol for the Purdue Police Department, said he hopes to win the trophy but only for the benefit of his son. "It's exciting," he said. "I'm happy to know my son thought enough of me to nominate me. I'm excited for him; it's something he wanted to do. I would look at it as a victory for him if we won the award."

Tyree, 36, also has a daughter, Tyonna, who is 4. He said the best part of being a father is "seeing your kids be joyful and happy; knowing you've given your contribution to the world." He said his role as a father is to provide for his children, participate in their education, instill values and keep them busy with activities that fuel their interests.

Tyree II can vouch for that. "I have to be the busiest person in one day; I thought my dad was busy," he said about having to attend the award ceremony, swimming lessons and a friend's birthday party.

Because Tyree's wife, Tonya, works at night, he makes dinner for the children, gives them baths and puts them to bed, but not before he reads them a bedtime story. "You get a lot of joy out of doing those things," he said.

Tyree also gets joy out of things he, Tyree II and Tyonna do during the day. Recently they got a clubhouse, which Tyree decorated himself. "He put up wallpaper, carpet and paint," said Tonya. "He worked very hard."

She said that Tyree is very much a part of Tyree II's and Tyonna's lives. "Any program that my kids have, he makes sure he is there. He doesn't want to miss anything," said Tonya.

Tyree modestly said that he does these things because knowing his children are happy makes him happy and successful. "You can tell how successful you are by looking into your kids' eyes. When I look at them I see that," he said. Tyree said he wants Tyree II and Tyonna to be successful as well. "In being successful your integrity goes a long way. You earn a lot of respect from your peers, family and friends," he said.

Tyree is a successful father and community member. As a police officer he is very kind and helps anyone who needs it, said Tonya. She said he is approachable and friendly and never mean or intimidating.

With all of the wonderful things Tyree does, his son thinks the award has already been won. "I hope he wins, except I already think he will," said Tyree II, who is already planning to make space in his room for the award.

Tyree is also the adviser for Iota Phi Theta Fraternity and cofounder of The African American Male Coalition.

 

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