Congratulations to our August Employee Spotlight, Michael Wilson!
Chief Wilson is celebrating his 45th year as a police officer and his 29th year as Chief of the Atchison Police Department. The City of Atchison is truly blessed and honored to not only have him as an employee but also a mentor in our organization. Chief Wilson protects and serves our community in a variety of ways, whether that is on a police call, guiding and training his officers, meeting with community groups, or playing dodgeball with the local high school students. He is engaged with our community, and he is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent meaningful interactions between our citizens and police. Chief Wilson is the true testament of what a leader should be, what a Chief should be.
Thank you, Chief Wilson, for your dedication, commitment, and your love for APD, our organization, and the City of Atchison.
Please take a moment to get to know Chief Wilson a little better with the following Q&A and pictures below:
Talk about your history with the City of Atchison:
After graduating from Atchison High School in 1973 I attended Missouri Western State University where I obtained a degree in criminal justice. During my college years I was fortunate to be exposed to our Police Department through internships. I joined the Police Department as a patrol officer in the summer of 1977. I spent five years as a patrol officer followed by five years as a detective. I was an agent with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation in 1986 and 1987 and returned to APD where I was a detective until 1993 when I was appointed the Chief of Police. I am honored to have been with the Police Department for 45 years and have served as Chief of Police for 29 years.
What would you be doing as a career if you were not in your current position?
Doing police work somewhere in some capacity. I’ve never had any doubt of my career choice.
What is your best summer memory?
I coached little league baseball for 14 years and had the best summers ever. And the best kids ever.
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Seafood. And the way I eat seafood I could only eat one meal a day.
What is one item without which you cannot live?
Coffee
What is the first concert you ever attended?
Three Dog Night. They were a popular band when I was 15 years old and saw them in Ahearn Fieldhouse with my brother who was attending KSU. As a drummer in high school, watching the talent of the band’s drummer is something I have always remembered.
Hobbies/Spare Time?
I enjoy taking road trips with my wife, Cindy. I’m a history buff so that includes visits to a lot of historical sites that she would probably have preferred to miss. I enjoy spending time in my shop, and I enjoy activities with my grandkids.
Your favorite memories you have working at the City of Atchison?
It is a passion of mine to serve the community and I have a host of memories. At the utmost of those memories are my experiences with my fellow officers. We are truly a family. I am fortunate to have shared experiences with the 156 different APD officers I have served with. From the “old school” officers that were still here when I started whose careers began in the 1950’s to the outstanding officers who have joined us in recent years, it is an absolute privilege to stand side by side with these dedicated public servants.
What has been your favorite part of your job?
Although I have duties and responsibilities that are constant and consistent each day, the job also brings something different every day. That something different may be challenging or frustrating, confrontational, or amicable, heart breaking or heartwarming, tragic or rewarding. But always needs attention. That’s why I love this job as much today as I did the first day!
Original source can be found here
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