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CPR Course Leads to Police Career
One course really can change your life.
Master Patrolman Scott Hatch was majoring in computer science at Bridgewater State University when a first aid and CPR class made him realize his future lay elsewhere.
Hatch went on to become a paramedic for Shanahan Ambulance in Haverhill. A hometown guy, he joined the Georgetown fire department in 1985. It was obvious his career was destined to be in public safety.
"I really enjoyed the atmosphere," said Hatch. "It was different every day."
A reserve officer for both Georgetown and Groveland, Hatch became a full-time officer in 2000.
Among his duties with the department is training new reserve officers as a Field Training Officer.
"They need to go through 50 hours of training," said Hatch. "We'll take them on the road with us and run through every scenario we can think of."
He also works as the evidence officer, cataloging and storing any evidence pertinent to a case. As a means of inventory control, only Hatch and Lt. David Thomson have access to the evidence lockers.
Hatch also heads up the Georgetown Police Association, a non-profit group made up of full-time members of the department that raises funds for many local charities and organizations, such as the Georgetown Athletic Association, Children of Police Survivors and the local Women's Crisis Center.
While what happens after an incident is important, Hatch prefers to think of his job in terms of its immediate effect.
"The outcome isn't the main factor for me," said Hatch. "What I'm doing at that moment is important. For example, with a DUI, my job is getting that person off the street before they hurt themselves or someone else."
Drunk driving cases are Hatch's pet peeve - well, one of them. The other? Illegal trash dumping.
"It's a quality-of-life thing," said Hatch. "It's disrespectful to the people and to the town itself."
And if he can find out who did the dumping, Hatch won't hesitate to call them on it. He works the overnight shift, so that call could come at 4 a.m.
"Usually a phone call at four in the morning is enough of an inconvenience for it not to happen again," he said.
He prides himself on being able to prevent confrontation through verbal presence.
"Up until last year I never had to restrain someone for not cooperating," said Hatch. "I try to treat people the way I'm being treated. Even if what they were doing hits home, like an OUI. If they're being a gentleman I try to treat them accordingly."
When he's not on-duty in Georgetown, Hatch continues to work as a emergency medical technician with American Medical Response (formerly Shanahan Ambulance).
"I work both jobs because I like both jobs," said Hatch. "There's something different happening every day."
This article originally appeared in the Georgetown Record on Thursday, March 17, 2005, by Matt Phillion/ Mphillio@Cnc.Com
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