Jim
Long before I was a cop, I grew up in a small Missouri town where I spent many of my early years dreaming of serving in the military or becoming a police officer. After September 11, 2001, I followed in the footsteps of both grandfathers and joined the U.S. Navy.
I served 5 years in the US Navy as a Gunners Mate and had the honor of serving aboard USS O’Bannon (DD987), which was the very last of the Spruance class Destroyers. As a sailor, I also saw multiple deployments while serving as part of a Mobile Security Detachment. My travels and missions took me from various European coasts, to the middle of Africa, Iraq, and Central and South America.
After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy, I decided to follow my other dream and become a police officer.
I had always dreamed of being a police officer due my desire to help people; a desire which I attribute to my parents and my faith in God. After my time in the Navy I really couldn’t shake the belief that it is part of my duty to protect the American people from anyone, foreign or domestic, who would attempt to harm them or interfere with their pursuit of happiness.
Since becoming a police officer, I have consistently volunteered to be placed where the need is greatest. I have chosen to be transferred to the busiest precincts and work within newly formed units. I have always had a desire to help those in need and will continue to pursue avenues that will allow me to do this.
I really love to laugh and make every attempt to bring a smile to the faces of those I encounter during each shift. Because of my interactions with people, I have received multiple departmental awards as well as community awards during my tenure as an officer.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my wife and two kids. I enjoy taking my family camping, hunting and fishing, or just traveling to visit relatives. Some of my hobbies include riding motorcycles, off-roading, and working on old cars.
In addition to these interests, I have had a long-standing love for coffee. I always remember dinner with my very Italian Great Grandmother, who would provide after-dinner coffee to a child of any age. When it came to giving coffee to small kids, she would always say “it’s not gonna hurt them!” My love for coffee flourished in the Navy where I found that I could drink any coffee no matter how old, strong, or burnt it was. Since returning to civilization, I have learned to enjoy a better cup of coffee.
When I take on the role of training a new officer, the first thing they learn how to do is find me a good cup of coffee then take some time to talk to some local business owners and their customers while drinking it.
