Photo courtesy of Hayley Smith
Hayley Smith
Editor-in-Chief
For Butler Department of Public Safety Sergeant James Welch, helping people has always been a priority. Whether that is working as a paramedic firefighter or a police officer, being in a career with the goal of helping others is important to him.
Welch’s career in the police force started in July of 2007 when he began to work as a reserve officer for the Benton Police Department. He has also worked as a part time officer for the Eastborough Police Department.
As far as his career at Butler, Welch has been employed since March of 2012. He is one of 11 officers currently employed by Butler. According to Welch, all Butler officers are cross-trained to work at both the El Dorado and Andover campuses. However, Welch is primarily stationed on the Andover campus, although he does tend to work in El Dorado at some times.
Welch explained how his favorite aspects of being a police officer include simply helping people and being one of the people to enforce the law. The excitement is another part that Welch enjoys about the job.
“There’s so many elements to this job that are absolutely amazing,” Welch said. “Everybody likes a good car chase.”
Although being stationed at the college means less call volume compared to working for a city, according to Welch, working on campus at a community college means officers get the opportunity to work closely with students and staff. They get to be involved with events at the college such as sporting events, and Welch believes they are more approachable compared to officers on the street.
For students who truly have an interest in the police force, Welch would suggest that these students go to college and take classes and get a degree in criminal justice. However, he recommends that students also get a second degree, such as business, simply because it is something that is always needed regardless of career choice.
Welch attended the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in Yoder to become a police officer. He will also be finishing up his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice through Central Christian College in December.
For 15 years, Welch worked as a paramedic firefighter. Having compassion, being able to listen to problems and helping individuals with whatever crisis they are going through are components that are common between both of these careers.
When it comes to the police officers at Butler, Welch believes it is important that students know who they are.
“We are people also,” Welch said. “We have the same feelings and emotions, except we have the training to help and take care of the problem. We truly want them to know that we are here for them when they need something.”
