RICHMOND, VA –
As part of National Police Week virtual observances, Defense Logistics Agency Aviation and DLA Installation Management at Richmond spotlight Police Officer Scott Wiseman, who selflessly secures and protects Defense Supply Center Richmond, its people and our neighbors every day.
President John F. Kennedy designated May 15, 1962 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. This year National Police Week is celebrated virtually May 9-15 honoring police officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to serve and protect our nation’s communities.
Name: Scott Wiseman
How long have you been in law enforcement (all together and at DSCR)?
I have served in law enforcement for about four years. This is my first year as a police officer at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia.
What made you decide to go into law enforcement and public service?
I have always had a higher calling to serve my country and community, keeping them both safe from harm. Also, law enforcement runs in my family. My great-grandfather was a police officer and detective for more than 25 years for the City of Richmond.
What is your most memorable event from your job as a police officer?
My most memorable event as a police officer was during field training in Chesterfield, my field training officer and I received a call about a missing child. The mother and father were obviously extremely distraught and at their wit’s end, as you can imagine any parent would be not knowing where their child is. We searched the surrounding areas, but to no avail. Finally, after about three hours, we found the young girl in a park. She was noticeable distraught, crying and probably a little cold as night had fallen, but she sure was relieved to see us. She jumped up and gave me the biggest hug. She knew she was safe. Taking her home to her relieved parents is not something I will never forget, especially since it happened on one of my first nights on the job.
What is your greatest achievement on the job?
One of my greatest achievements on the job was completing Chesterfield County Police Department’s 36-week basic police academy. It took a lot of grit, patience, tenacity and determination. It was a proud moment for me and my classmates.
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a police officer?
The most rewarding thing about being a police officer is truly being able to help someone in their time of need. Often, we deal with people who are quite possibly having the worst time or experiencing an emergency situation. It’s truly a blessing serving others.
Have you had any mentors in your career? If so, how have/did they help?
Yes, I have had many mentors, friends, and colleagues in my career as a police officer. However, I would be remiss if I did not mention one mentor in particular. DLA Installation Management at Richmond’s Deputy Chief of Police Mark Bowen and I go way back, serving together with the Chesterfield County Police Department and now here at DSCR. Mark was then, and still is, a great mentor to me. I would not be where I am today in my law enforcement career without his knowledge and guidance throughout the years. I am extremely grateful to him.
How do you define excellence, as it relates to being a law enforcement officer?
I define excellence as a law enforcement officer as someone who takes pride in their appearance, pays close attention to detail, respects ALL individuals, and has the willingness to serve others. Excellence means truly becoming a master of your craft, and as a police officer, your craft is multifaceted. One day you could be making a traffic stop that turns into a vehicle pursuit. The next day, you could be called upon to perform CPR on someone who is not breathing. Then on a different day, you could be responding to an active shooter situation. There truly is no limit to what you may have to respond to as a police officer and you have to be ready for it.
What makes for a great day on the job?
A great day on the job is when everyone, citizens and police officers alike, make it home safely to their families every day!
What would you say to someone to encourage them to go into public service?
If you have that call to serve others, make sure you answer it. It will be one of the most rewarding decisions you can possibly make in your life. Further, if you are considering a career in public service, know that you cannot do any public service job simply just for the money or just to have a job. You truly need to have that desire and calling to serve people. Mostly good people of course, but at times you may deal with unruly/irate people who do not want to listen or follow directions. It is up to you to stay both courteous and professional at all times.