Even after 30 years with the Rapid City Police Department, people still amaze me – in both good and bad ways. A lot of days are fun and entertaining; you never know what you’re going to run into.
While growing up near a small farm town in South Dakota, a career in law enforcement wasn’t even on my radar. I certainly didn’t plan to become a police officer, but law enforcement found me. While working on my associate’s degree in accounting, I landed a work study position in the Criminal Investigation Division at RCPD. I was quickly recruited as a dispatcher, and spent the next 12 years learning different areas of the department, including evidence and accident investigations.
I enjoyed the excitement and opportunities that came with working with law enforcement, and, after the birth of my two children, I made the leap from civilian to sworn officer. Before he retired, my husband also served as a police officer for 30 years, and it wasn’t always easy for us to work separate shifts and raise a family. Law enforcement isn’t for everyone, but, for me, it’s been an incredibly rewarding career.
As a patrol sergeant, I have the opportunity to work with young officers on every shift. I get to experience all the excitement of patrol, while helping new officers learn and grow professionally. Those that are most successful enter the field with selfless dedication to the work, love helping people, and have the heart to make a difference. I consider myself lucky to work with great people in a wonderful department, and I truly love what I do.
Learn more about Rapid City Police Department at: http://www.rcgov.org/Police/