How long have you been a police officer?
I have been an officer with the Village of Mount Pleasant Police Department for eight years. I have always had an interest in being a police officer. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a double minor in sociology and Spanish.
Are you originally from the area?
I can be considered to be from the area. My family moved here from Chicago when I was 14 years old. I am a Horlick High School graduate.
What interests you most about being a Community Oriented Policing officer?
I always enjoyed the work that encompassed law enforcement and being able to help those in need.
Tell us about some of the programs and activities at the Village of Mount Lakeside COP House.
This year, we (Officer Dan Neumann and I) partnered with The Spanish Center to organize our very first “Cinco De Mayo” block party. The event was held on Saturday, May 4, at the Village of Mount Pleasant Lakeside COP House. We had games for kids and adults, a DJ, live music, other Cinco De Mayo-themed performances, and food from our local neighborhood Mexican Restaurants. We have hosted a Global Youth Service Day and facilitated a Hygiene Giveaway in partnership with members of the Youth Volunteer Corps.
We are doing double duty and hosting two National Night Out events on Tuesday, August 6: one at the Lakeside COP House and the other at the Village of Mount Pleasant Campus Park (the first time in that location!).
What do you hope to accomplish as a COP officer?
I want to build on the good things in this neighborhood established by previous COP officers and continue to provide resources to improve the quality of life within our community. I also want to build relationships with the residents and police and establish trust. My ultimate goal as a Hispanic police officer is to provide representation and aid in understanding each other and our communities.