It was those childhood days of growing up amidst a “public safety” oriented family that made this year’s Volunteer Police Officer of the Year, Joe White, never question what field of work he would commit himself to, in turn making his volunteer efforts simply just a way of life, as he describes. “It is a natural inclination,” he said.
White, a 15-year member of the White Hall Police Department, was recognized as this year’s Volunteer Police Officer of the Year recipient at the annual White Hall Community Awards Banquet.
Though he received this top honor, White refuses to single himself out for deserving the award. “We all take care of one another,” he said. “Backing each other up and being backed up is a given.”
White was raised by his father, who was a member of the Little Rock Fire Department, and his mother, a registered nurse.
“I’ve been in public safety all of my life,” he said. “Reducing crime and promoting safety is a big deal. Residents need to feel safe.”
White, though born and raised in Little Rock, met his sweetheart, Debbie, who just happened to be from White Hall, and has made this city his home and that girl his wife for the past 18 years.
“Hobbies? Well, this is my hobby,” boasted White.
Recalling the days of his time volunteering at school functions when his children were younger, he said, “I started helping out any way I could and with security where ever the kids went.. Even though they have grown up now, I still stick with it.”
His favorite aspects of the job is being able to render assistance to people in need and giving that sense of security for just being visible.
“You never know what you have prevented by just being around,” he added.
White proudly proclaims that he has no dislikes about his profession, however,
“Sometimes there is a certain level of discomfort, such as those instances when you have to work with someone who is not being pleasant, or questioning a DWI offender,” he said. “You have to treat everyone fairly with respect and dignity no matter what.”
“The WHPD goes across the board to do that,,” he said, adding praise.
All in all, White is far from being a “rookie” and continues to sharpen his skills whenever the opportunity permits, describing the training as very interesting and necessary. “It is very easy to get complacent and take for granted whats around you everyday.”
He has completed training courses for use of force and use of tazers, along with radar and firearm training, and is looking forward to the upcoming officer survival training course.
Giving his fellow officers more praise, he recalled he first felony stop and drug arrest of the year.
“Officer Rogers made a good call. Officer Phillip Peckham and I and backed him up and narcotics were found.
“I have worked closley with the WHPD officers and staff since 1995, and I think they are a bunch of dedicated guys. From the office to patrolling, and not just the full time guys, but everyone plays their part to make us a really professional police department.”
No matter how thankful and honored he was for being nominated for this prestigious award, there is definitely not an “I” in this team where White is concerned and it seems as though if it were up to him the award would be presented to the full brotherhood of the WHPD.
It was those childhood days of growing up amidst a “public safety” oriented family that made this year’s Volunteer Police Officer of the Year, Joe White, never question what field of work he would commit himself to, in turn making his volunteer efforts simply just a way of life, as he describes. “It is a natural inclination,” he said.
White, a 15-year member of the White Hall Police Department, was recognized as this year’s Volunteer Police Officer of the Year recipient at the annual White Hall Community Awards Banquet.
Though he received this top honor, White refuses to single himself out for deserving the award. “We all take care of one another,” he said. “Backing each other up and being backed up is a given.”
White was raised by his father, who was a member of the Little Rock Fire Department, and his mother, a registered nurse.
“I’ve been in public safety all of my life,” he said. “Reducing crime and promoting safety is a big deal. Residents need to feel safe.”
White, though born and raised in Little Rock, met his sweetheart, Debbie, who just happened to be from White Hall, and has made this city his home and that girl his wife for the past 18 years.
“Hobbies? Well, this is my hobby,” boasted White.
Recalling the days of his time volunteering at school functions when his children were younger, he said, “I started helping out any way I could and with security where ever the kids went.. Even though they have grown up now, I still stick with it.”
His favorite aspects of the job is being able to render assistance to people in need and giving that sense of security for just being visible.
“You never know what you have prevented by just being around,” he added.
White proudly proclaims that he has no dislikes about his profession, however,
“Sometimes there is a certain level of discomfort, such as those instances when you have to work with someone who is not being pleasant, or questioning a DWI offender,” he said. “You have to treat everyone fairly with respect and dignity no matter what.”
“The WHPD goes across the board to do that,,” he said, adding praise.
All in all, White is far from being a “rookie” and continues to sharpen his skills whenever the opportunity permits, describing the training as very interesting and necessary. “It is very easy to get complacent and take for granted whats around you everyday.”
He has completed training courses for use of force and use of tazers, along with radar and firearm training, and is looking forward to the upcoming officer survival training course.
Giving his fellow officers more praise, he recalled he first felony stop and drug arrest of the year.
“Officer Rogers made a good call. Officer Phillip Peckham and I and backed him up and narcotics were found.
“I have worked closley with the WHPD officers and staff since 1995, and I think they are a bunch of dedicated guys. From the office to patrolling, and not just the full time guys, but everyone plays their part to make us a really professional police department.”
No matter how thankful and honored he was for being nominated for this prestigious award, there is definitely not an “I” in this team where White is concerned and it seems as though if it were up to him the award would be presented to the full brotherhood of the WHPD.
