Of Horses & Heroes – Story of a Cop & the Loves of His Life

Click here to read the complete article
82 – March/April, 2017

BY JAN JOHNSON

Two of the brightest and most genuine smiles at the horse shows belong to Kim and Maegan Fleming. They are two incredible women… and that’s why their story is even more incredible. It all began with Steven. There are only a handful of people who are the “real deal”. You know… wise, attractive, witty, dedicated, and kind. They inspire people simply by being who they are. And so it was with Steven Fleming. But of all of Steven’s remarkable characteristics, his determination proved the most valuable as he relentlessly pursued a pretty high school senior back in 1987. He persuaded the telephone operator in the small town of Vernon into getting Kim Hunter’s phone number so that he could ask her out. Kim fondly recalls their first date, which was on her birthday. “He wore this black cowboy hat and my parents were a little skeptical. But they reluctantly let me go.” After two years of dating, Steven and Kim married on August 18, 1989. “In the 24 years we were married, if I was ever having a bad day or I was upset about anything, he would put that black cowboy hat on and come running into whatever room I was in. I just couldn’t help but smile,” she recalls.

The young couple attended the University of North Texas while Steven worked part time for the campus police department. His love for law enforcement grew, and through the sponsorship of the captain there, he attended Arlington Police Academy in Arlington, Texas. Kim recalls, “The early years were lean. I remember packing his lunch every day”. Steven and Kim’s faith was the most important thing they had in common, and they truly believed it was divine intervention when Steven was hired at the Gainesville Police Department in February 1991. She says, “No one wanted to hire a 21-year-old rookie. There is no doubt that those doors were opened for us.”

Steven’s incredible work ethic and compassion helped him advance through the ranks over the next 22 years from street patrol to Police Chief. And Kim was by his side every step of the way. “It was not uncommon for him to ride out at night with his officers. His true passion was working the streets and serving the community he loved. He worked constantly on fundraisers, helping flood victims, directing traffic after an accident and he even volunteered his time for the local 4-H events. I’ve seen him take money out of his own pocket, never expecting repayment, to help others in need.”

Click here to read the complete article
82 – March/April, 2017