Tomika Jackson-Busby is a friend like no other. She and other members of the Hilton Head Plantation Security Force watch over more than 10,000 residents of that community. She is known for alligator capturing along with her colleagues. She is also known for not giving up on lifesaving tactics for residents. She has been recognized as Security Officer of the Year. She has also been recognized by the Hilton Head Fire and Rescue Department for her life-saving actions.
Meet Lieutenant Busby.
My name is Tomika Jackson-Busby. I was raised here in the Lowcountry and grew up in Yemassee, South Carolina. I married my best friend and high school sweetheart, Ernest. Together we have five very charming and intelligent children (Ja’Kaila, Ikell, Kalihl) of my own; and bonus mom to my handsome son (Donquayis) and beautiful daughter (Azariyah). In my downtime, I love to take pictures, go shopping, and help my parents and anyone who needs it.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
We love to eat, laugh, watch sports.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I enlisted in the United States Army Reserve after high school. I transitioned back into the civilian world with a job working at the local Sam’s Club in Hilton Head Island. From that job, I picked up a part-time job doing Security at Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort. Then I accepted a job with the Hilton Head Plantation Property Owner’s Association and have been employed here for almost 18 years. What I love most about my job is the opportunity to talk all day! Meeting with people in the community I serve and others just passing through. We share stories of the area and our families. I love to help people. I am a patrol officer. I check in on people who are unable to get out; those who need to see a fresh face every now and then. I believe that we have to be concerned for our neighbors no matter where we live, we must watch out for each other. This is how I was raised. We must especially care for our elderly family members, so at work, it’s like a family away from home. I love this community. They pull together. It’s never a No. It’s always: I know just the person to call. lol.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Hudson’s on the Docks, Crazy Crab, Sunset Pizzeria
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have worked here on Hilton Head Island for almost twenty years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
So many people to name! I always share stories of people I have met during my years of being in this area. To me it’s been more of a candy store; a little bit of this and a little bit of that. So many people and a very diverse community.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Africa. The culture…I would want to sightsee, eat, and wear hand made dresses there.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The Andy Griffith show. I never recalled seeing Andy in a patrol car.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be true to yourself.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Sky Diving
Q: What is your go-to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Earth, Wind, and Fire
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Habitat for Humanity.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Ellen DeGeneres. She’s so inspiring and I love to watch her show. I love to see so many people who work hard and are so giving of themselves. They never ask for attention; just the appreciation alone leaves me wiping a tear. She has such a huge heart. I would definitely take her to Hudsons on the Dock.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
This community pulls together in tough times, and they always support me.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still doing what I love here at Hilton Head Plantation. I would want to pursue more giving to my community. I have been low key in providing Thanksgiving dinner boxes with the help and donations from friends over the years. I want to keep doing this for many years ahead.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love hanging out with my Grandmother.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been to?
Hawaii
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
June is my birthday month. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and my best single day of the year is the 4th of July.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My family.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mother who worked so hard in her younger years to provide as a single mother of four. She had two strokes that were life-changing for her in her mid-40s which left her disabled. However, she fought to live and I’m so happy to still have her here as she has gone through so much so young and still smiles.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Eucalyptus and Coffee Beans
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Scenic, Low Country boils, Family.
