Please tell us a little bit about how you came to work at the Metro Transit Police Department.
I’ve been with the Metro Transit Police Department for about six and a half years. At first, I wasn’t interested in law enforcement. I wanted to be a firefighter. I started college, dropped out, and joined the military instead. When I was done in the Army, I came back and continued my education. I said to myself, ‘I served the county, why not serve the community, too?’ I came to MTPD because I knew a lot of people here and thought it would be fun to work with them. At work you should have fun!
What’s it like to work as a Hamline-Midway beat officer?
It’s pretty simple but it makes a big difference. We spend a lot of time at stops and stations making sure people can get on safely and addressing issues. Some of these areas along University Avenue used to be real hot spots for crime, but with us out there we’re really seeing that change. People are telling us they’re noticing a difference. That’s why we’re out there every day.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I’m kind of a workaholic, but I’m trying to push that to the side a little and get some new hobbies. The new one is pickleball. I work out a lot, but I hate doing cardio. People told me that I had to find something to make it fun. Pickleball has a lot of cardio, a lot of bursts, and we’ll play for like four hours. It’s safer than playing football or baseball, and I don’t want to risk any injuries. And it’s social, too. I’ll go play and someone will ask if I want to partner with them for a game, or I’ll ask someone if they want to partner with me. It’s a really positive community.