Because of Her: Sgt. Theresa Magyera

We all have moments in life that define us.

Sometimes they change our path immediately. And sometimes we tuck them away, until one day they make everything click.

Theresa Magyera was 9 years old when she experienced her moment. Her family was involved in a serious car crash that sent her dad to the hospital.

She can't remember the exact details of what happened. But to this day, she can vividly remember the kindness she was shown by an officer at the scene.

When things click

Years later, Theresa would head to college with the goal of becoming a chemistry major.

Dreams that lasted until her first criminal justice course – when the memories of a kind officer resurfaced.

That was when everything clicked. Theresa realized her true calling was policing, and she wanted to show others the same kindness shown to her a decade before.

After graduation, Theresa headed south to Texas for a job with the Arlington Police Department. She spent six years there before feeling a pull to return home.

Called to Madison

Theresa grew up in the farmlands of Iowa. So working in Texas meant she was a flight away from home. But these flights helped her find her new home.

"I would fly into Madison and see a city surrounded by lakes. The Capitol. Everyone out doing things like biking. And I just fell in love with the beauty here," Theresa said.

Theresa made the decision to apply to MPD 14 years ago. She's worked as a patrol officer and a neighborhood resource officer. She was eventually promoted to sergeant, the rank she still holds. She's currently assigned to our training team, where she gets to leave an indelible impression on the new recruits.

"These recruits choose us out of everywhere they could go. I don't take that for granted. These people are remarkable," Theresa said.

Theresa is making a difference in our city today. And our city's future. 

And she's doing it with the same kindness shown to her decades ago.