Jan 2024. Blues Vol 40 No. 1

A Day on Patrol
Although On Patrol Live has captured
some of the most exciting pursuits in Hazen,
I had the blessing of spending a few
hours riding with the Chief to observe his
everyday interactions with the citizens of
this small town. As we enjoyed breakfast
at the Hurley House Café, he received a
call from a local residence, approximately
two minutes down the road. As Chief Taylor
approached the house, there were three
men in the driveway changing a tire and an
older woman who was standing inside at
an open window on the front of the home.
The woman addressed the Chief by his first
name, Bradley, and they spoke for a few,
and he appeared to calm her concerns. It
was clear that he is well-respected and
well-known in his town and trusted for his
ability to resolve disputes. We then returned
to Hurley House Café to finish our
breakfast.
The second call came shortly after and
sadly, a long-haul trucker had passed in
his vehicle at the truck stop near the interstate.
Chief Taylor spoke with the man’s
colleague to gain more information and
then called two of his officers to the scene
to assist with removing the man’s body. It
is important to note that the department
is so small that these officers will often
respond to calls even when off duty. Their
dedication and commitment are apparent.
As the call was concluding, another trucker
walked toward the Chief for a photo opportunity
with the now famous local leader
and he gladly agreed.
The third call was about a possible stolen
vehicle, and we sped down the highway
in the Chief’s now infamous and incredibly
fast Charger as seen in On Patrol Live. The
potential pursuit did not materialize and to
say I was thankful was an understatement!
80 The Blues - January ‘24