Chasing Down a Dream: Reserve Officer Puts Himself Through Academy
Thursday, August 19, 2004
Over the next few months, the Record will profile the staff of the Georgetown Police Department in order to introduce its members to the community. This is the latest in that series.
Reserve Officer Derek Jones is one step ahead. From December through May, he threw himself full-tilt into graduating the police academy, something he calls "one of the best experiences of my life."
The unusual part? Jones put himself through the academy.
Full-time officers are usually sponsored by the municipality they work for at the academy. Jones works full-time hours as a police officer, but makes those hours splitting his time as reserve officers for Georgetown and Essex.
What this all meant for the reservist was school full-time, and trying to survive off of weekend work until his courses were completed.
"It really does take a toll, particularly on your family," he said. "But you've got to make the most of it. I'm very proud of what I did."
Graduating No. 6 in his class and in the top physical group as well gives him something to be proud of. He also hopes to use the skills he acquired in the academy - a $25,000 investment - as a full-time officer some day.
Jones has been a reserve officer in Essex for four years and a Georgetown reserve officer for two. He hooked up with the Georgetown PD while on a detail through the Essex department, when someone suggested his familiarity with the town would be an asset as a reserve officer. The Lynn native moved to Georgetown in his teens.
"It was definitely culture shock," he said.
His parents and brother still live here in town, though Jones has settled down in Salem with his wife and young daughter. The couple have hopes to eventually work their way closer to Georgetown.
Jones was also recently appointed as head bicycle patrol officer. The avid cyclist is looking forward to the duty and hopes this will mean a new focus on this style of policing in the future.
"Bicycle patrols bring you closer to the community," Jones said. "It's more up close and personal. You're not just a person in a cruiser driving by. People are more comfortable approaching you."
He will be attending a special bicycle patrol seminar at Merrimack College this week and will bring this training back to share with his fellow officers.
"It's not utilized as much as it could be, and it can be used for all the right reasons," Jones said. "You get into shape, and you get out among the community members more."
This article originally appeared in the Georgetown Record on Thursday, August 19, 2004 , by Matt Phillion/ Mphillio@Cnc.Com
| 
