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News | May 16, 2019

Police Week 2019 Spotlight: Officer Colton Kruse

DLA Aviation Public Affairs

National Police Week takes place May 13 – 17 in 2019. As part of Police Week observances, Defense Logistics Agency Aviation and DLA Installation Management Richmond, Virginia, spotlight Officer Joseph Kruse, who selflessly secures and protects Defense Supply Center Richmond, its people and our neighbors every day.
 
According to policeweek.org, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed and designated May 15, 1962 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Events have been celebrated since this time to honor police officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to serve and protect our nation’s communities.
 
1. Name:
Colton Kruse
 
2. How long have you been in law enforcement (all together and at DSCR)?
Seven years
 
3. What made you decide to go into law enforcement and public service?
My stepfather is a retired police lieutenant and is currently a deputy sheriff in Pennsylvania.  He has always made the job sound exciting and rewarding.
 
4. What is your most memorable event from your job as a police officer?
I’ve had a lot of memorable events so far in my career. A lot good, a lot bad, but the most memorable, was talking a young lady out of committing suicide.
 
5. What is your greatest achievement on the job?
The greatest achievement for work was graduating from the Air Force Sharp Shooters School.  It was one of the hardest courses I had ever been through, physically and mentally.
 
6. What’s the most rewarding thing about being a police officer?
The most rewarding thing has been being able to help people who can’t help themselves like children and the elderly.
 
7. Have you had any mentors in your career? If so, how have/did they help?
Yes, my stepfather is my main mentor and I go to him with any problems I have on the job.  As well as a close friend of mine who was my first field training officer. He is currently a police officer in the state of Indiana. They both helped me along with my career, but every officer I work with has had some sort of impact.
 
8. How do you define excellence (as related to being a Law Enforcement Officer)?
Excellence is an odd thing to define for this line of work. Excellence in law enforcement is an art and a vital asset to the community.  Officers should be encouraged and formally recognized for their efforts. Unfortunately in today’s society with the state of the media and a few bad apples, the law enforcement culture is shown in a bad light. 
 
9. What makes for a great day on the job?
Being able to go home to see my family at the end of the day.
 
10. What would you say to someone to encourage them to go into public service?
It can be a rewarding career when you are actively in a law enforcement role.  You are there for public protection and upholding society’s laws, but you need to be able use discretion when dealing with the public.  You are going to deal with a lot of negativity, especially in this day and age.  Overall law enforcement has been an amazing career and I can never see myself doing anything else, but it’s what you make of it.