Her criminology professor in college later became Sheriff and that, according to Lieutenant Julie Edwards, was how she was recruited into law enforcement. One of only a handful of women on the force when she started, Lieutenant Edwards’ compassion and quick thinking made her a rising star.

“The law enforcement profession is like no other I know of. We continually see people at their worst; but we have to rise above that, handle it appropriately and professionally, and treat people like we want to be treated,” states Lieutenant Edwards. These are words she lives by. Following a robbery in a convenience store, the clerk, a young woman, curled up behind the counter and wouldn’t speak or let anyone near her. It was only after Lieutenant Edwards gave the terrified young woman a teddy bear, from a supply that she carries in her patrol vehicle trunk, that the woman opened up and was able to give a description of the suspect.

At the same time, Lieutenant Edwards also understands that it clearly takes more than compassion to serve as a successful law enforcement officer. She stresses the importance of personal courage; to be able to go out by yourself and rely on your training and people skills without nervousness or hesitancy. It’s a skill she put to use early in her career when she was asked to be a decoy for a serial killer who was murdering women. The suspect was later apprehended and convicted.

When it comes to career advice to those entering the law enforcement profession, Lieutenant Edwards has this to offer, “Give of yourself. You have to be totally dedicated in your heart in order to really be of service to the community.”