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Essay / Police Officer Interview - 594
Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, Captain Sameul Jelsma of the Pahoa Police Station served as a police officer for more than two decades. He is the station commander and oversees the Lower Puna district. Before joining the Hawaii Police Department, he served in the United States Army. While in the military, he decided to come back and serve his own community. He was initially enlisted as a patrol officer, but his commitment and hard work rewarded him with promotions where he became captain. He joined the department because he wanted something interesting and new to do with his life. He was intrigued by the exciting work of a patrol officer. He decided to work as a police officer and therefore applied to join the police department. He recalled that when he applied for the position, he had to fill out a paper application, but today the department only accepts online applications. He passed the written exam, background check, and psychological and drug testing required to be hired as a law enforcement officer. He believes...