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News | May 16, 2023

National Police Week spotlight: Lt. Noe Hernandez

By DLA Public Affairs

Editor’s Note: May 14-20 is National Police Week. This is a part of a series of spotlights highlighting members of the Defense Logistics Agency Police Force who work 24/7 to protect DLA people and property.

Your name: Lt. Noe Hernandez

Job title and location: Training coordinator for DLA Headquarters at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

What inspired you to become a police officer? I enjoy interacting with and assisting our customers and people throughout the community. This field is also very challenging.

When did you join DLA’s police force and what did you do before you got here? I joined in October 2014 after working for the Army.

Describe your typical workday in 2-3 sentences. Being assigned to training is a little different than being a regular officer. A regular day for me is answering tons of emails and a lot of planning. Most of the planning includes dates and times for quarterly and yearly training for things such as active shooter exercises, weapons qualification, etc. 

Describe the most dangerous situation you’ve encountered on duty. Every situation we respond to can potentially be dangerous, from a duress alarm in an office or a couple’s dispute in the parking lot to an assault with a deadly weapon at the gate – all calls I’ve personally responded to here at DLA Headquarters. These are the kinds of things DLA police respond to on a regular basis.

What’s the hardest part of being a police officer and why? Constantly judging situations. Not everything you see is what it appears to be. Some things require a little more context than what you see or hear at that moment.

What do you like most about your job and why? Interacting with people from all walks of life. I feel it makes me a well-rounded person to meet and talk to so many people who are going through so much or have already gone through so much in life. I get to hear tons of real-life experience and receive so much good knowledge. 

Do you have any funny stories you can share from your time protecting people and property? While standing at the main entrance for DLA an individual told me that a chicken was running around the parking lot. It turned out to be surprisingly true. Someone had accidentally brought it in on their truck. 

What’s the biggest security infraction you see employees make? Piggybacking, or letting others in the door without scanning an ID.

What are you passionate about outside of work? Music.