Being a police officer isn’t an easy job, but one Mapleton police officer describes the profession as being extremely rewarding.
Mapleton police officer Andrew Hill, who is native to the area, said that his love for the community is what caused him to want to join the force two years ago, and it is readily seen in his interactions with others.
Serve Daily recently had an opportunity to catch up with Officer Hill and to learn more about him and his commitment to the citizens of Mapleton. One of those commitments includes doing presentations at the local elementary schools. Hill said that he is often recognized as the officer who was bitten by a police dog while playing the part of the well-padded bad guy at an elementary school presentation.
While being recognized in the community is a perk of the job, Hill said that he joined the force because it was his “life’s calling,” and “it always felt right.”
Shift work is a way of life for officers, and Hill said that he enjoys the swing shift, which covers early afternoon and into the night hours. The reason he says this timeframe is his favorite is because it is the “best of both worlds,” offering a chance to serve the citizens of Mapleton while also experiencing the more “active” aspect of law enforcement duties.
Hill spoke about the need to be thorough and on high alert even during routine traffic stops because you never know what you will encounter. He said that once during a routine stop, he noticed a gentleman in the rear seat of the stopped vehicle “trying to blend in with the upholstery.” After a quick radio check of that person’s credentials, Hill learned the suspicious character had an outstanding felony warrant, requiring him to place that individual under arrest.
One memorable call was when he was involved with a traffic stop and noticed a gentleman in the rear seat of the stopped vehicle ‘trying to blend in with the upholstery’.
After a quick radio check of that person’s credentials, Hill learned the suspicious character had an outstanding felony warrant and that individual was placed under arrest.
Even though Hill has “made it” on the force, he said that it is important for him to keep learning from others. He often listens to police podcasts to inform him of scenarios officers may encounter and how to deal with them. He described having completed listening to a particular podcast when suddenly, an almost exact scenario played out in front of him, and he was better prepared to face the situation.
Hill said that with just two years on the force, he looks forward to being able to be in positions where he can better protect and serve the community that he has long called home.
When asked if he would encourage others to consider a life in police work, Hill says he “definitely would.” He encouraged those who have an interest in law enforcement to reach out to officers for more information on what steps you need to take.
On behalf of Serve Daily, we thank Officer Hill for his service, and wish him the best in the years ahead.
