Jessica Stevens
In today’s world, it tends to be easier to look at members of the law enforcement community and see only the authority they possess. We seem to forget that these brave men and women are just everyday people like us with their only intent being to keep us safe.
In an effort to highlight these brave individuals, members of the Union County Sheriff’s Office, El Dorado Fire Department, Arkansas State Police and the El Dorado Police Department discussed living life with a badge.
Union County Sheriff Mike McGough has a motto of “treat people right and be fair,” which he instills in his deputies on a daily basis. “Police officers have to be impartial, fair and deliberate. We have the responsibility to enforce the laws and do it fairly,” McGough said. ” But police are people too, with families, interests and are a part of the community.”
McGough said he felt drawn to the field after growing up around law enforcement including his own father, who was an El Dorado police officer. He described the most rewarding aspect of his job as being able to keep the community safe. He said he encourages his deputies to go out and be involved in the local community, both on and off duty.
“Deputies have to go into situations of chaos and control it,” said McGough. “I just tell them to treat people right and be fair while doing their job. Every incident doesn’t have to end in an arrest.”
Every department has it’s own image in their respective community and McGough said he is proud of the UCSO’s image and of Union County residents for their continued support. There have been numerous appreciation luncheons and ceremonies put on by local churches and the community to show their gratitude for local law enforcement personnel.
Union County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Bill Hickman, said he was drawn to law enforcement after growing up with an admiration for his grandfather, who was an officer in El Dorado. He has dedicated his entire career to helping the community of Union County.
“Sometimes the stricter rules take the common sense out of law enforcement,” Hickman said. “We’re not always able to do things the way we want. We have to follow the steps dictated by the law.” Hickman explained that the situations deputies encounter are not always simple to navigate, but with training and the guidance of the law, they are able to make critical decisions that have a lasting effect on the community.
“The community has really risen up in the face of all the national criticism surrounding officers and shown their support of us and we appreciate it,” said Hickman. “These guys put their lives on the line every day to protect citizens and it’s nice to know that it is appreciated.” El Dorado is a great place to be a police officer, Hickman said.
Union County Sheriff’s Deputy Lt. Scooter Bass, said he has always felt the need to make a positive difference in people’s lives. He wears many hats at the sheriff’s office, including shift commander for patrol officers and field training officer. “You are subject to encounter all types of things with this job,” said Bass. “I would like for people to not stereotype all officers based on the mistakes of others. Just because one officer in another department or state made a bad decision, it doesn’t mean all officers would make the same choice.”
Bass said he is thankful for all the appreciation shown on social media in support of local law enforcement.
Chad Mosby, fire chief of the El Dorado Fire Department, said he knew at a young age that he wanted to be a firefighter. The chance to do something in the community that you know makes a difference is the most rewarding aspect, he said. “When you leave a call and realize that you’ve positively impacted that person’s life, there’s no other feeling like it,” said Mosby.
“Most of our enforcement is done by education, in order to prevent dangerous situations,” Mosby said.
Captain Joshua “Bo” Rumph of the El Dorado Fire Department said he appreciates the outpouring of support for all of law enforcement. He said he tells new recruits, “If you’re doing this for the money, you’re going to be let down pretty quick. Most law enforcement officers are in this job to help others at their worst and to keep the community safe.”
“People often see us when they’re having the worst day of their lives – and that’s when we have to do our best,” said Rumph.
Arkansas State Police supervisor for Union County, Sgt. Alex Krneta, said he has always felt the desire to make a difference in the community. “I couldn’t see a better way to fulfill that desire than going into a career in law enforcement and taking on the responsibility of helping safeguard my community,” said Krneta. He said that using the knowledge, abilities and resources given to him in order to help protect citizens and visitors of Arkansas is the most fulfilling part of the job.
“Whether it’s comforting a family after a tragic motor vehicle crash, removing a drunk driver from the roadways before they harm themselves or others, or helping a stranded motorist in distress; these are rewarding to me and give me a great sense of accomplishment at the end of a shift,” said Krneta.
He said he would like the public to understand that they are just ordinary men and women with families, who strive to give something back to their communities and dedicate themselves before God to their chosen profession.
Trooper Justin Harmon, of the Arkansas State Police, said he wants to positively impact the community in any way he can. “We’re here to assist those in need – whether it be comforting a small child after a horrible incident or getting a dangerous driver off the road before they can cause harm,” said Harmon. “I wish the public understood that we are just people and enjoy the same things they do, but also strive to help the community and this job allows us to do just that,” he said. “We really appreciate all of the local support, people going out of their way to thank and reassure us that we’re doing a good job.”
Chief Billy White, of the El Dorado Police Department, said he enjoys the feeling of accomplishment after going home at the end of the day and knowing he did all he could for the El Dorado community. “The face of law enforcement has changed over the last two and a half years but the support for our officers here has really increased. There are a lot of good citizens out there that really support us in what we do,” said White. “When you see small children showing their support by bringing cookies and stuffed animals to the office, you know you’ve accomplished something.”
White said he would like everyone to see that officers are everyday citizens with normal lives. “We are approachable,” he said. “Just because we wear this uniform, doesn’t mean you can’t come up to us and say hello.”
El Dorado Police Department Officer Logan Owens, said he would like to reinforce the idea that officers are approachable. He hopes the public knows that, with any problems they may face, they can come to them.
“The days when you get a lot of calls and get real stressed out and worn down, it’s nice to hear ‘be careful out there’ from people in the community. It shows they do care about us and the job we do,” said Owens. “Law enforcement is a lifestyle, when you get home at night and take the uniform off, the job stays with you. We have normal lives but are also held to a higher standard than others.”
Officer Chistopher Lutman of the El Dorado Police Department said he has always been drawn to the concept of service. “I believe that it is so important to serve and give of yourself in every way possible,” Lutman said. “This is my mission field. It’s where I feel God has called me to be and it’s a way I can go out and share the love of Jesus with the community.”
Lutman said he would like to convey that officers do not put on their badge everyday with the intent of arresting people. “We do not live with an evil intent in our hearts,” he said. “That’s not who we are. There’s no other job in the world where you can come into someone’s life at possibly their worst point and be everything they need you to be at that particular moment.”