Q&A: Dunwoody PD's "Rising Star"

You were recently awarded the department's "Rising Star" award. Tell us about when you joined the department, your background and why you think you received the award.

I joined the department in January 2010 after serving 4 years as a patrol officer for the Atlanta Police Department in Zone 1.  I was honored to win the award and I believe my work with the Community Outreach Unit in addition to regular patrol duties was a factor. 

I assisted Community Outreach with Neighborhood Watch meetings and other public events when the unit was short an officer.  The Department also offered me training to become certified as a Bicycle Patrol Officer which gave me the opportunity to get out and talk to people while patroling around Perimeter Mall and help with several Bike Safety Classes that we held at Brook Run Park.

How do you like working in the communications side of the department? How important is it for the department to reach out to citizens?

Being a voice for Dunwoody Police is a big responsibility but it is very rewarding.  There are many fascinating and remarkable citizens here in Dunwoody that I get to meet and talk with during the course of my day.

It is a top priority for us to reach out and engage with citizens.  Outreach is important because we need to listen to the citizens concerns and then address those issues in order to service those who we protect.  In addition we have to educate and inform people of what we do on a regular basis and give them the tools and skills needed to prevent themselves and others from becoming victims.

How do you spend your weekend? Got any favorite hobbies?

I enjoy spending time with my fiancé and family on the weekends, be it shopping around Perimeter Mall or taking a weekend trip to North Georgia.  I like playing sports and running when I have the time.  Playing in the recent Guns and Hoses Challenge and doing the Manhattan Climb was a blast for me and it helped raise money for good charities (Special Olympics Georgia and Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation).

What's the most recent song you put on your iPod?

“Home” by Phillip Phillips.  It has a good tempo to run to, which is nice when I’m feeling slow.

How do you follow up a great rookie year with another good one? What's important to you contribute and learn from the department?

Maintaining a positive attitude and keeping an open mind to learn new things is a good start.  I am surrounded by experienced and well rounded officers on a daily basis which allows me to learn and grow in my career, which in return, I can give back to the department and the community as a representative of the Dunwoody Police Department.

The department nurtures personal and professional growth in everything it does and its our job to take advantage of that through training and programs.  I look forward to the next year and many more to follow here at the Dunwoody Police Department.