LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Joseph Maher

Position: School Officer
School: South Pontotoc School
School District: Pontotoc County School District
City, State: Pontotoc, MS

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Joseph Maher was nominated by an anonymous colleague.

Officer Maher energetically serves the students and faculty in his school with an incredible attitude. He is always looking for ways to make the 50+ year old campus more secure. His presence on campus inspires confidence. He teamed up with the other officers and principals to revamp the car rider line to a much more efficient process. However, he is not only interested in safety. He works to impact the lives of everyone that enters campus. He is quick to listen to others and offer encouragement. Officer Maher treats people with respect and works hard to reach out to the community. He reaches out to students and teachers alike, from supporting the archery team coached by his fellow officer, to encouraging students to study hard, to sharing healthy eating/exercise habits or safety tips with teachers. When questioned about his experience of being shot in the line of duty in his previous job, he takes the opportunity to share that life is precious and everyone has a purpose. Officer Maher serves South Pontotoc School with honor and distinction. 

Comments (89)

Dawn Graham Posted over a year ago

Joseph has always had a huge heart. I can’t think of anyone more deserving than him

Daniel Posted over a year ago

I went to school and graduated with Joseph. He has never changed and is one of the best people I know. He’s always smiling and always friendly. Very well deserved!

Sheila Ryan Posted over a year ago

Officer Maher is a huge asset to the South Pontotoc campus. He makes every effort to keep the campus safe and secure but also welcoming and positive. He communicates well with students, staff, administrators, parents and anyone else who he comes in contact with on the grounds. He is a wonderful reflection on our community.

Teri Vogler Posted over a year ago

It is an honor to have Officer Maher as part of the team of officers serving my child campus. I feel more confident knowing they are working to keep the students and teachers safe. Officer Maher always has a professional approachable demeanor that small children aren't afraid of.

Amy Chrestman Posted over a year ago

So very blessed to have Officer Joe watching over my son at South Pontotoc. I could not have hand picked a better officer for the job. Not only is Officer Joe an amazing school resource officer, he is an amazing person!

Laurie McClerkin Posted over a year ago

Well deserved Joseph! Proud of you cuz!

Lisa Turpin Posted over a year ago

We are beyond blessed to have Officer Joe on our campus. The children love him and we certainly feel a lot safer with him on board. He always takes the time to speak to our kids and they know he can be trusted!!!

Becky Posted over a year ago

Officer Maher is very deserving of this award. He takes every opportunity to make our campus safer and handles every situation in a professional manner. He really has a heart for the students and is very supportive and encouraging to them as well as to the staff.

Doug Posted over a year ago

Good job!

KATHIE Posted over a year ago

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOU DO, AND WE ARE ALL SO BLESSED THAT YOU CAME INTO ALL OUR LIVES.

Deana Tryon Posted over a year ago

This award is for a life changer, and Officer Joe (as the kids call him) is definitely just that. He is making an impact in the lives of our students at South Pontotoc each and every day. His interaction with our students is wonderful and they know they can count on him to serve and protect. He is not only doing his job, but you can tell he loves his job because he goes above and beyond what he is expected to do. He is very deserving and I would love to see Officer Joe receive this award!

Cortney Stieffel Posted over a year ago

We are so blessed to have Officer Maher here at South Pontotoc. He loves his job and this is shown through his actions daily! He is so deserving of this award!

Kory Clowers Posted over a year ago

Joe is a good officer and friend. He has been down a very physically and mentally tough road and has bounced back with a smile on his face. Joe continuously persists on bettering himself and encouraging others to do the same. He has a hard working never quit attitude. He believes in what hes doing. I'm happy to call him friend and brother.

Lindsey Maher Posted over a year ago

I hope that you all consider my husband, Joseph for the award. As you can see, to know him is to love him. He is a wonderful, Christian man. He is an encouragement to all. Back in 2013 Joe was shot in the line of duty. He suffered severe injuries and has undergone numerous surgeries. His parter was killed. I have watched Joe overcome such a tragic event. He never lost faith in God. There were times that Joe wasn’t sure what God was trying to do with him. Then, last year, the SRO job “fell” into his lap! We all know that was God. He placed Joe right where he needed to be. I get comments all the time about how wonderful Joe is and how lucky they are to have him at South. We are highschool sweethearts and both graduated from South. That school means a lot to us. Our oldest daughter is in the first grade there as well. This would not only be a wonderful gift to Joe to be awarded, but also for our school. I ask that you please take in to consideration picking Joe. He deserves this award so much! You all would not be disappointed at all! Thank you!

Trish Posted over a year ago

An amazing young man! Definitely needs to be recognized!

Jeanie Dale Posted over a year ago

First, I want to thank the person that nominated Joseph for this well deserved nomination. I work with Joseph and when I had the great opportunity to meet Joseph, I knew him immediately as a servant leader, strong, kind and compassionate, with a discerning spirit. I know his conviction to help make SPS a safe campus and I know how all of the children will love him for years to come and that his positive presence at school, at work , in the community at large and most importantly , his selfless love for family and friends. Joseph is truly remarkable and although my heart knows there are many wonderful nominees, I cannot imagine someone more deserving than Joseph.

Jennifer Wright Posted over a year ago

Officer Maher contributes so much to the safety of our campus. I appreciate that he is an observant person. He once commented on how much he'd enjoyed some of my students' writing that he'd noticed on a bulletin board & taken time to read. He also is going to help get all the faculty & staff into good shape by offering an after-school workout class in January. I think this shows his interest in the overall wellbeing of our school community. We're thankful to have him!

Becky carter Posted over a year ago

Officer Maher is great with the kids at school.They enjoy meeting him in the halls and getting the high fives. He's wonderful at his job.

Emily Speck Posted over a year ago

As an elementary principal, I have NEVER felt as safe at a school as I do here at South Pontotoc. Officer Mayer is always looking out for the safety and welfare of students and staff! He also has a wonderful relationship with our students. He mentors those who need a male figure in their life as well as those who just need to know that someone cares. He leads with a servant's heart! I feel it an honor to know him and his sweet family!

Johnie Franks Posted over a year ago

We are so blessed to have officer Maher at our school. He is always kind and helpful to the students and teachers. He is very deserving of this award!

Halena White Posted over a year ago

A great asset to SP campus and community!

Shona Burk Posted over a year ago

We are blessed to have Joseph on our campus! He is an amazing role model for all of our children!

Deloris Lauderdale Posted over a year ago

Joseph is so deserving of this award. He is the best husband and father . He is so kind and caring . I know he really cares about his job . He is my family also married to my granddaughter . He is the best!

Shunda Posted over a year ago

We are blessed to have Officer Maher at our school. We feel safe having him around the campus. He is very deserving of this nomination.

Leslie Fugett Posted over a year ago

Joseph is a huge asset to the South Pontotoc school and the community. I have only known him for about one year. I was aware of his experience and the incident that took place at his previous job, the incident was national news. He is such an inspiration to everyone he comes in contact with, his strength to overcome his own adversity being injured in his last job and to show that it will not take away his focus to make the life of others around him better. He is a role model to kids and adults in this community and his willingness to make our schools and community better. He is so respectful to others and offers encouragement to all. I can not think of a more deserving person for this award!

Chanda Ferguson Posted over a year ago

One awesome man!!

Cassie Angle Posted over a year ago

Knowing Joseph is a blessing. He is honest, caring, sincere, and brave. He truly loves each and every child at South Pontotoc. He takes pride in what he does as a police officer and to protect our children and teachers. He exemplifies every quality that this award stands for both on and off duty. I am honored to call him a friend and feel at ease knowing that he is protecting my children.

Lisa Ivy Posted over a year ago

Absolutely his presence inspires confidence and safety! He takes pride in his job, the people in his care, his town, state and country! He is a phenomenal example of an upstanding American. It is an honor and a privilege to have him serve our school.

Nicole Walls Posted over a year ago

Having Officer Maher on campus makes me feel safe & protected! His love for his job is very evident. He takes pride in providing a safe place for students & faculty to learn & work. He goes out of his way to form a relationship with the children so they have a positive attitude toward police officers. He loves his family and school. And he always goes above and beyond to ensure safety. Thank you, “Officer Joe”!

Holly Brown Posted over a year ago

The kids on second grade hall always rush to his side as he patrols the building. They want to show him their work displayed in the hallway or tell him about their latest accomplishments. He always makes them feel so special and worthy.

Michelle Roye Posted over a year ago

Joseph is one of the best!!!

Heather Posted over a year ago

We are blessed to have Officer Maher on our campus. He is a wonderful asset to our team at South Pontotoc.

Lori Harrison Posted over a year ago

Joseph is truly a great inspiration to everyone. He not only makes our campus feel safe, but he takes the time to get to know all of the staff and students. Joseph has used his life changing experience to make him an even better role model for everyone to learn from.

Brook Long Posted over a year ago

Proud community member!!!! He might be a Cougar but at the same time, he is also a Viking! (And a Warrior if ever needed).

Tammy Raines Posted over a year ago

He’s a very special and kind person thank you for all you do??

Meaghen Owen Posted over a year ago

Officer Maher is an inspiration to all the students and staff at South Pontotoc! We are so thankful he is part of our school community!

Denise Rackley Posted over a year ago

It's a blessing knowing we have an exrta officer on duty at South. Joseph is a very kind hearted officer and tries to help in any way he can. I see him all day walking the halls in the elementary. Thank you for watching out for us all.

Dale Wigginton Posted over a year ago

Joseph is a wonderful example for our students to emulate! He is very deserving of this recognition!

Shunda Posted over a year ago

We are blessed to have Officer Maher at our school. We feel safe having him around the campus. He is very deserving of this nomination.

Gina Morgan Posted over a year ago

Joseph is an inspiration. He is the kind of role model we need for our students. He is an asset to our school!

Janet Sartin Posted over a year ago

Joseph does an awesome job at SPE! He has a positive attitude all the time. I was excited when I found out he was going to be with us, and we are definitely blessed to have him!

Patricia Posted over a year ago

We are blessed to have Officer Maher at our school campus. He goes out of his way to serve and protect our school.

Christie Smith Posted over a year ago

Joe is a huge asset to our school and community. He takes his job seriously and interacts with the kids daily. He is a very deserving person for this award.

Lequita Posted over a year ago

Good luck! God bless u and your family!!

Andria Keith Posted over a year ago

Officer Maher always has a smile and time to interact with the kids. His presence has created a calming assurance that we are protected and safe on campus. I am proud and thankful that my students have such a respectable man to look up to and model.

Mitzi Ward Posted over a year ago

We love him at South!

Stephanie Ward Posted over a year ago

Joseph is such an asset to our school and community. We feel safe while at school and the kids just absolutely adore him!

Brooke Franks Posted over a year ago

Joseph is a great asset to our school. He is known by students by name and makes sure that everyone is safe.

Tiffany Bowen Posted over a year ago

Office Maher is an amazing influence in our school.

Megan Franks Posted over a year ago

Thank you for your service to South Pontotoc. Thank you for being a role model to our students and supportive to our staff members. You do a great a job.

Kasi Giompoletti Posted over a year ago

Officer Maher does a great job at SP!

Casey Bruce Posted over a year ago

Joseph is an inspiration. His love of Jesus Christ drives his constant positive attitude that motivates others to achieve their full potential. He has used the challenges he has faced to inspire others. He is very deserving of this award.

Don McCutchen Posted over a year ago

I've had seen Joseph in toughest time of his life and the finest times of his life. He's a man of Faith and Character am Honor, what a blessed call him my neighbor, friend and brother in Christ. The Blue Line means something special to Joseph, what a blessed have him protecting the kids at South Pontotoc. You Choose Joseph he will not only make the Pontotoc Citizens proud, but all of those chosen for this award.

Julie Posted over a year ago

Congratulations!! We are so glad you are at South. We are thankful for you and your family.

Cheryl Malone Posted over a year ago

Joseph is so very deserving of this award! I’m so proud to see him nominated!! I taught Joseph and his wife in high school. Now I’m proud to say he is a colleague, serving as SRO for his home school. Joseph is a very hard working officer dedicated to making and keeping our school a safe environment for our students, faculty, and staff. He is definitely a man of integrity and such a great role model for our students.

Conna Montgomery Posted over a year ago

I was so proud for Joseph when I found out he was one of our school's officers. It is also comforting to know he is within our school system where my grandchildren attend. Joseph is such a respected and honorable member of law enforcement and this community. This community and town have seen his courageous battle and stamina to come back from being shot in the line of duty. I believe these experiences are an asset for him to be able to reach and encourage the children he protects and cares for at South Pontotoc School. The school officer position is more than just protecting the school though that is a very important part. It also means being able to make a positive impact on the students and their parents, while offering support when needed. There is no question in my mind that he meets and exceeds all these expectations. If the ones who are deciding who gets these awards were to choose Joseph Maher they can know they are making a wise choice and they won't be disappointed.

Ricky Posted over a year ago

I've known Joseph since he was 5 years old and I've had the pleasure of watching him mature into a fine young man. Joseph has always been associated with law enforcement growing up his father was a police officer instilling in him the responsibility needed to be a protector of the community. After enduring a near critical injury while on duty with Tupelo Police department Joseph still managed to find his way back into law enforcement this time protecting our most valuable assets our children. There is no one I know who is more deserving of this award he is loyal God fearing family man who sets a example everyday of what man should be.

Marilyn Maher Posted over a year ago

Joseph is absolutely the most deserving person for this honorable award. He has accomplished and overcome the utmost challenges in his life. He has traits that most desire . He was faced with a life-changing accident during his career as a patrolman. He did not succumb to it. Instead , he used it for the good . That is what makes him the man he is today , He is a very Godly man and he gives Him all the praise. He is filled with , love and compassion for his fellow man. He is an awesome father to 2 beautiful girls. He is an outstanding husband to his wife . He is fulfilling his purpose as to serve God, his family and community with great pride. He is a "miracle" . He is a man of integrity. Joseph is the BEST son a mother could have. I am blessed to have such !!!!!

Laurin Lauderdale Mathews Posted over a year ago

Joseph is so deserving of this award. He has the biggest heart and he is always so kind. I have been friends with him since elementary, he has always been one of the most genuinely kind hearted people I know. Joseph is a huge asset to the school, he has always had a special place in his heart for it and I know he always will. I can tell how much he loves his job and the people he gets to work with and see on a daily basis. Joseph is family to me, he always has been. I love you and your family Joseph! He really does deserve this award. He’s kind, caring, loyal, and a hard worker that you never hear complaining.

Jill Posted over a year ago

Joseph is one of the best guys all around. He’a a great police officer, role model and man of God!

Brittany Finn Posted over a year ago

I can’t think of a more deserving person for this award! Joseph is a huge asset to our school and community!

Holli Sanders Posted over a year ago

I have only known Joseph for less than a year and I can not think of a more deserving person for this honor. He never seems to meet a stranger and has a genuine concern for everyone he meets. I met him through the Toughfit classes he teaches. My husband had been attending and before long our entire family was involved. Joseph is such a great motivator and has such a positive attitude. He has truly affected my family in a positive way and we feel blessed to know him and his family. I have seen how he interacts with my son at the gym as well as with his own children and he is a wonderful role model not only for children but adults as well. God is truly using Joseph to influence so many people in his everyday life and changing many lives for the better. He is very deserving of this award.

April Phillips Posted over a year ago

Joe is a wonderful officer and takes his job seriously! He makes students and teachers feel so safe while at school and field trips. He loves the kids and truly takes up the extra time to interact with them.

Stephanie Price Posted over a year ago

Joseph is the SRO at the school I work at and has been a dear friend since elementary school. I could not think of a better person for this. He makes sure every student and teacher feels safe at school and truly enjoys his job. He takes time with every child he comes in contact with by playing ball with them or just stopping to say hi! He is most deserving of this and more!

August Collums Posted over a year ago

My family loves Joseph & his precious family! Such a great officer! ??

Jesse Meyers Posted over a year ago

Joe is a great person with an even better personality! He is a strong leader and role model. He always has a smile on his face and leaves a positive impact every time I see him!

Niki Lane Posted over a year ago

Joseph is an inspiration to everyone he comes in contact with, his strength to overcome his own adversity being injured in his last job and to show that it will not stop him or take away his focus to make the life of the people around him better. He is a role model to kids and adults alike in this community and his willingness to make our schools and community better. I couldn't think of no one more deserving than Officer Maher, he had an life changing experience and turned it in a ministry to love, honor, respect, and protect everyone he comes in contact with.

Lindsey Posted over a year ago

I am so proud of Joseph to get nominated for this award! I couldn’t think of a better person to pick! Joe goes above and beyond for others and always does it with a kind smile and the most upmost respect! The faculty and kids are very excited to have Joe. I have had numerous teachers tell me how happy they are to have him. Joe has been through so much in his life! He has never strayed away from God or his family! He is a wonderful christian man! I pray y’all consider choosing him for this award! You will not be disappointed!

Debbie Roye Posted over a year ago

Joseph is a precious young man ..He coached my grandson and the kindness and compassion shows for sure..His wife also the same as she took care of my mom while in the hospital..If anyone deserving of this it would surely be Joseph ! May God continue to bless him so he can continue to be a blessing to others !

Raelynne Terry Posted over a year ago

Joseph is the definition of inspirational. He is always willing to push anyone to their max and full potential but yet still understanding and humble. He is a true Christian and role model for anyone at any age. I’ve never heard him speak negatively and have/always will consider him to be one of a kind!

Shaina Dunaway Posted over a year ago

Officer Maher is a wonderful role model for everyone he meets! He is a humble servant that looks for ways to improve himself, his community, and his world. We are so blessed to have him at South Pontotoc. I feel confident in his ability to keep our kids safe!!

Josh Pratt Posted over a year ago

Thank you for doing what you do for the community of South Pontotoc. It’s always and will always hold a special place in my heart. They couldn’t in my opinion have a more dedicated deputy to be where you are.

Fred Sanders Posted over a year ago

I had the honor to serve as a fellow officer with Joseph in Tupelo & know firsthand the honor with which he serves & the integrity he upholds. I have also seen him touch lives for the better while he also diligently teaches Crossfit. He has helped me improve my health & has touched my family to the extent that my wife was awarded member of the quarter at a local gym. I take this time to say yes he touches & changes lives.

Christy Holloway Posted over a year ago

Joe is more than our SRO! He loves those kids and supports them outside of school. He also coaches Maher’s Toughfit classes at the Pontotoc Wellness Center which has had a huge impact on my personal health and life! Joe has impacted so many in a positive way by his leadership and by what he has endured in his personal life. How is a true hero!

Kim Posted over a year ago

Joseph is much deserving of this honor! He is so very supportive of his community and his brothers in blue! He is always willing to lend a hand or a listening ear, even at times when we should be the ones helping him!

Nathan Sheffield Posted over a year ago

Toughest guy I know!!

Kevin Ball Posted over a year ago

Joseph Maher is a very hard working family man. He strives each day to help make others better. He is very deserving of this.

Sandy Pennington Posted over a year ago

Great officer, great person, and an all around guy! My kids attend South Pontotoc and almost everyday they come home and talk about him!! They love him and are so happy he is there with them to keep them safe!

Corey Ellis Posted over a year ago

Their isn’t a better more deserving person on this earth more deserving of this than Joe

Brittany Bevill Posted over a year ago

No one is more deserving than Officer Joe! Great person and great family! Incredible asset to our school and community!

Melanie roberts Posted over a year ago

I’m proud of you Joe!! You are a great dad, husband and police officer!! This is well deserved! Love you??

Kayla Cummings Posted over a year ago

Joseph is such a kind and caring person. Always looking out for others and willing to help in any way he can. He has overcome a life-changing event with such grace and dignity. He deserves to be recognized for his service.

John Moses Posted over a year ago

One of the best officers I know. He is missed from TPD.

Erin Tedder Posted over a year ago

I love the fact that you are at school. It makes me feel like my boys are safe in many ways because they know they can go to "Mr. Joe".

Eddie Neal Posted over a year ago

#LCOY

Jesse Ray Robbins Posted over a year ago

Joe has been one of my best friends since Kindergarten. His love and compassion for his family and friends is never ending. He is a blessing to all who know him and if anyone deserves an award it is truly him! His faith is strong and thankful to call him a friend.

Mary Maughan Posted over a year ago

Joseph is the best, always so concerned for others. So glad that he is a part of my family and he is very deserving of this honor. He has overcome a lot of obstacles in his life and we praise God that we still have him with us. The school is very fortunate to have him there looking after the students and teachers.

Krena Silver Posted over a year ago

Joseph is a shining example of dignity and Godliness for my son and countless others at the school. He is truly an asset to our school system.

Lindsey Maher Posted over a year ago

Joe always puts others before himself and does 100% on trying to keep SP campus safe!