A patrol officer since 1998, Tommy Norman is referred to as "Officer Friendly" by fellow officers and is well-known in North Little Rock for his community service. Local children know him from greetings at the bus stop, the "Back to School" event where he distributes backpacks and sneakers to children in need or as the lead officer for the Star Student Program at local elementary schools. During the holidays he coordinates community programs such as "Shop With a Cop", which he established 5 years ago, and the "Season of Giving" which he created 12 years ago. When Tommy is not patrolling, you can usually find him involved in volunteer work, a fundraiser or helping someone out. As he raises money for the Special Olympics, you can find him participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run or with Krispy Krème's "Cops on Top" fundraiser.

His supervisors say he builds "lasting relationships" with residents and is a remarkable role model for children; the far-reaching word on the street about Officer Norman even compelled a murder suspect in a neighboring city in 2001 to find Tommy, who then facilitated his surrender.

Recently, Tommy was chosen for the Chief's Award for his ongoing efforts with community outreach programs, mostly done while he is off-duty; his chief says what is remarkable is that Tommy continues to handle as many, and sometimes more, police calls, investigations and arrests, than is expected of him. He has also been nominated for North Little Rock School District's Safety Project Award. Other recent awards include recognition for his "Service to Law Enforcement" by the Lions of Golden Distinctions in 2010, "Outstanding Service" by NLR School District in 2009 and an Officer of the Year Award in 2008 from the State of Arkansas's Association of Chiefs of Police.