Officer A. O’Connor
How or when did you decide that serving your community, in such a potentially dangerous way, was what you wanted to do?
Growing up my dream was to always follow in the footsteps of my father, as he was my role model. My father is a retired deputy sheriff out of California. I had an opportunity to see firsthand how much he impacted our community and was able to help individuals on and off duty. I realized that at a young age serving your respective community, in any way possible, was the right thing to do. Evening knowing what law enforcement officers sacrifice each day in regards to family time and activities, that still does not change my passion to help others.
How has your life been affected since the death of George Floyd, the subsequent protests/riots and the call to defund police across the country?
The George Floyd incident was absolutely tragic. I was heartbroken when I heard the news of what had happened. It was an extremely poor decision and that officer's actions have effected all the men and women who proudly put on the uniform each and everyday, with the good intentions of serving their communities. It’s also unfortunate how the media and social media have compounded this issue and have painted this bad image, so to speak, of law enforcement as a whole. Especially since in reality the vast majority of officers are honest and caring individuals, who selflessly try to make their community a better place for everyone to live. I absolutely understand that law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard and rightfully so, but realize that the men and women serving your community are still human. We are someone's brother, sister, relative, neighbor and friend. We do make mistakes, and like every profession there are individuals who make poor decisions. But I would like to remind everyone that law enforcement officers do a multitude of good deeds and perform life saving measures each and everyday that are never recognized by the the media or social media.
What would you tell anyone considering a career path in Law Enforcement, knowing what you have experienced so far in your career?
If it is your calling to help others and you have the desire to make a difference in your respective community, then now is the time. Having done this job for almost 8 years now I have a much better understanding of what this job entails. Knowing what I know now, I have so much respect for all the men and women who have done this job before me and the ones who continue to wear that badge with honor each and everyday. This job is very challenging, both mentally and physically, but this job is also very rewarding. Helping people in need and saving a life is a feeling like none other. I know without question that this is my calling and if you truly want to make a difference by being a part of a team with a common goal of helping others within your community, then law enforcement is the career for you.
