Jan 2024. Blues Vol 40 No. 1

A Mission and a
It has been said by many officers
that policing is a mission and a calling,
and the Hazen Police Department
is a prime example. Few Chiefs patrol
their own towns daily or employ parttime
officers. Many of Hazen’s officers
have other occupations, such as the
pastor of a local church or as part of
other law enforcement teams. The
Chief himself delivers the occasional
sermon. He shared that he dedicated
himself to becoming a Christian
eight years ago and it now serves as a
strong foundation for all realms of his
life.
In the Chief’s office, he proudly displays
old photographs of his time
as a coach for the local high school
football team, the Hazen Hornets.
He points out that two of his former
players in the photo are now officers
with his department and the turnover
here is nearly non-existent. In
Hazen, policing is without a doubt an
around-the-clock responsibility and
the people have known each other
for generations. Chief Taylor elaborated
on the emotional challenges of
responding to the tragedies of those
he has known all his life. He recalled
a time in which he had to share the
devastating news of the loss of the
child of one of his closest friends.
There is no question that it impacted
the Chief in many ways and touched
his heart. These moments have in part
shaped the man he is today.
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM BRADLEY
PLAY VIDEO / TAP OR CLICK HERE
82 The Blues - January ‘24