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Why did you decide to be a policeman?
Since I was a child, all I can remember is
wanting to be a police officer. I’ve always
felt it was my calling and never imagined
doing anything else. When I was young,
my father spent some time with the
Madison County Sheriff’s Office and
I can remember him letting me sit in his
patrol car and I couldn’t get enough of it.
How long have you been with the Ridgeland
Police Department?
I have been with the Ridgeland Police
Department for a little over a year now.
Tell us about your family.
My mother has been a teacher for 22 years
and my father is the owner of Momentum
Events, and serves as an agent for Christian
speakers and artists, as well as helps
ministries with development needs. I also
have an older brother who is currently
getting his degree in computer science.
My family was probably more excited than
I was when they found out I got hired as
an officer and they’ve always shown their
support in my pursuit of achieving that
goal. They’ve always been there for me
when I needed them most and have gotten
me through a lot of tough times.
What is the toughest thing you have
experienced in your job?
Probably the toughest thing for me is in
situations where you just feel helpless.
When someone loses a family member or a
loved one gets hurt and you want so bad to
just make everything ok but you know you
can’t. I truly care about the people in my
community and it’s tough for me to see
people go through those situations.
Share some things you enjoy doing in your
spare time.
I enjoy the shooting range. I play the guitar,
which is a good way to unwind and relax
from a long shift. I also hope to get back
into flying again soon so I can get my
private pilot’s license.
OFFICER
Michael Hutton
RIDGELAND POLICE
DEPARTMENT
What are three things on your bucket list?
To get my private pilot’s license, learn a
new language, and to visit another country.
Who is someone you admire and why?
I’d definitely have to say my dad. He has
always been a great example of how to act
and treat others. He has taught me so
much in life and has always known the
right thing to say and the right way to
handle a situation. If I failed, he pushed
me to get up and keep going and never stop
until I’ve achieved everything I wanted.
I’ll never be able to repay my dad for all the
things he’s given me and taught me and if
there is anyone in this world to thank for
who I am today, it’s him.
Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
I’ll certainly still be in law enforcement.
Really, my main goal has been to become a
police officer. Since I’ve achieved that, I’m
still working on finding a new goal in my
career that I feel I will really enjoy.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young
person, what would it be?
Be your own person and never follow the
crowd. I believe that everyone one is here
on this earth for a reason and is here to
achieve something with their life. It doesn’t
matter what other people think or what
popular people are doing. You have to do
what makes you happy. Be an individual
that sticks out and is looked up to. You
never know who’s watching and is
following your example. Strive every day to
achieve your dreams no matter what they
are because the only thing that is going to
keep you from your goals is you. If you want
it bad enough, then no one can stop you.
What is a favorite childhood memory?
Probably the vacations with my family.
Every year we would go to Branson,
Missouri, for about a week. We’d fish and
parasail and jump off these big cliffs into
the water. After, we would go to the Hard
Rock Diner, which absolutely has the best
milkshakes in the world. Then we’d see a
magic show or play mini golf.
What is the biggest mistake you think young
people make today?
I think a lot of kids are too quick to fall
into peer pressure and don’t realize the
effect it can have on their lives. There’ve
been multiple times where I’ve dealt with
groups of younger people and they will be
rude and disrespectful. Then later on
you’ll see one of them without the other
kids around and they’re a completely
different person. They are polite and
respectful and they will actually sit and
talk with you a while like they’ve known
you forever.
What is your favorite thing about the
City of Ridgeland?
Its overwhelming support for law
enforcement. Since I started with RPD,
I’ve always been shown support by
members of the community.
14 • March/April 2018