Submitted by Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
If you were a student and/or athlete in Broward in the early 90s, then you probably remember hearing about or seeing Patrick Bonner and his athletic prowess both in football and basketball at Boyd Anderson High School. The Cobras were in the playoffs in football in 1992 and won a state championship in basketball. Pat-rick completed his final year of eligibility at FAMU where he set numerous school and national records playing for the famed Billy Joe. Just recently he was honored with induction into the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame.
Well the apple doesn’t fall far from tree. In this instance we are speaking of Patrick aka P J or P2 Bonner, Jr., a 2019 graduate of Miami Norland High School, who subsequently matriculated to Florida A & M University where he earned a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychology. After graduating in 2023, Patrick returned to South Florida, applied for and was accepted as a candidate to become a member of the law enforcement community with the Plantation Police Department. Executing that plan with perfection, he is presently employed with the organization that oversaw his academy experience. Though he is still in serious training, he is a full time officer with the requisite authority assigned and given those who choose to serve.
Patrick, a Miami native, credits much of his educational and professional success to his parents, particularly his mother Ms. Roshawna Bowe whom he says is the most influential person in his life: ” she was always there for me, never left my side and always made sure I had everything I needed. I never saw her complain or falter when times were hard.”
*According to Patrick, he enjoys traveling, watching sports and binge watching tv shows and working out.
As he traversed the challenging, arduous travails associated with the police academy training, he reflected on one of the most difficult questions he was confronted with during oral boards: “What would I do in a situation where I had to make a decision to save one person’s life by getting them to safety or going to rescue someone else?” That question required introspection, made me think real hard because how do you choose between two people who desperately need your help in life threatening situations. Choosing one over caused me great consternation.
*My first instinct would be to talk to them and see what’s wrong and If i can help, especially if this was uncharacteristic of them.
*I chose this profession because early on I was drawn towards it, seeing it as a job that would keep me active and not behind a desk in a building. The person that peeked my interest was Mike Lowry, a character from the movie Bad Boys.
When asked what principle in life has he used as a guide post, something extremely important and influential in decision-making process.
*He stated,” In my life I value honesty more than anything. If someone is honest with me. I can almost always be in their corner and respect them.”