Veteran officer says communication is key to a safe community
5:13 p.m. Saturday, August 11, 2007
Topeka — Artie Gonzales patrolled for more than 36 years as a Topeka Police Officer, and he spent more than 13 of those years pedaling his way through the streets.
It wasn't a patrol car that helped Officer Artie Gonzales fight crime. Instead, a helmet, two wheels, and a little extra time chatting with folks on the street helped him make a difference.
Gonzales joined the force in 1970 for one simple reason...
"I needed a job," he laughs.
But what started out as a way to pay the bills quickly became a passion.
"I would come into work whistling and singing. I used to drive my co-workers crazy because there were times in the locker room I'd say, I'd do this job even if they didn't pay me," says Gonzales.
Early in his career, Gonzales was one of only five people who provided security for Fiesta Mexicana, and he did it for free. And he admits that even though he loved his job, it was rough.
"An officer over the years becomes jaded and puts on a hard shell,” says Gonzales.
But after 23 years of patrolling the streets with a cruiser, Gonzales decided to downsize, and break down some of that shell; he became a part of the Topeka Police Bike Unit.
"You don't have that barrier of the patrol car,” he says.
The specialty unit requires intense training, and officers must peddle the streets year round. But to Artie, it was worth it.
"In that 13 year period, I spoke to more people than I did in the previous 23."
Gonzales says it's a key crime fighting tool, and shows people that officers are approachable. It also sets an example.
“People are becoming more aware of their neighborhood and taking pride in their neighborhood,” he says.
Artie Gonzales retired from the force last year, giving yet another example of the difference one person can make.
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)