Fulfilling A Lifelong Dream Of Service: Officer Erin Boyd

Ridgeland Police officer Erin Boyd said she knew she wanted to be in law enforcement from an early age.

"Absolutely," she says. "In high school, my dad had a deputy friend and I always thought it was the coolest thing," she laughs. "It almost became an obsession for me."

And today, here she is: one of the few female officers on the Ridgeland Police force--a fact that does not bother her in the least.

"Everybody here takes care of each other and the guys especially look out for me," she says. "It's not really an issue."

Answering every question with a "Yes, sir," Officer Boyd would appear to be the typical Ridgeland Police officer: polite, poised, professional--and prideful of the duty they have undertaken. Even though, from time to time, it can get a little strange.

"One of the oddest calls I ever got was to go get a lizard out of a woman's house," Officer Boyd laughingly relates. "She was an Oriental lady and maybe it was a cultural thing--I'm not quite sure. But she was very hysterical. And when I simply picked the lizard up to throw it outside she got even more upset!" Officer Boyd says.

A funny story, yes. But these men--and women, like Erin Boyd--never know what they will faced while out on patrol or when they get a call. To label their jobs unpredictable is the understatement of the year.

Officer Boyd is a patrolman who has been on the force for three years and rotates her beats here in Ridgeland. The McComb native started off in EMT and paramedic schools at Holmes Community College, worked with the AMR ambulance company for several years. She then moved on to the Madison Fire Department for eight months where she realized that fighting fires was not really meant for her or what she felt best capable of doing.

After extensive training with the police department in Ridgeland, including grading, Officer Boyd joined the department. As with all other "newbies," Officer Boyd rode with other officers before going out on her own.

"It was a lot to take in at first when you're thrust out on your own," Officer Boyd admits. "Not only police protocol but legal protocol--what you can or cannot do. That constantly changes and you have to keep up with it."

On the day shift currently, Officer Boyd says her schedule changes when needed as is typical.

"I personally like the weekend shift," she says, "because the calls are more interesting and challenging."

Officer Boyd admits that, nationally, it sometimes seems that the media and the general populace are more against police officers than for them. However, she says things are a little different in Ridgeland.

"Overall I believe we have a lot of support here in this city." she says. "I never feed into any anger directed at me because you have to treat everybody the same. You can't allow your emotions to control or direct you. My opinion is that people are trying to get famous through YouTube videos by recording a police officer doing something they may not like or approve of--unlike most any other job. You have to learn to act accordingly depending on the situation you happen to encounter."

No one will ever get wealthy by staying in law enforcement. Then why do it? The question was posed to Officer Boyd.

"It's all about service," she says. "Certainly you can advance but you will never get rich. I have my own ambitions and I will continue to seek opportunities where I can. My long term goal is to become a detective," Boyd tells us. "There's still a lot to learn though, and applying what you learn in a book is totally different from actually putting that knowledge into action on the street."

Officer Boyd says she has worried about her safety--and life. Often.

"Especially at night," she says. "When it's dark it's a disadvantage. I've never been fired at, thankfully, and the men here on the force are super protective of me."

Is it a disadvantage, then, being a female officer?

"Not really," Officer Boyd answers. "But I will say I try to be more of a facilitator and attempt to deescalate volatile situations as opposed to entering them ready to go into action as a male officer might do!" she laughs. "I've certainly had to go 'hands on' but I try not to let it get that far. Typically, I do get respect from the public with the exception of teenage boys--they get cocky and think they can push me. They learn fast, though." she says, "and sometimes I do call in some of the men to have a little talk with these boys."

The best part of her job?

"I like coming to the rescue," she answers. "As a paramedic, I can help and handle extra medical situations when needed, even with my fellow officers."

Officer Boyd has saved numerous lives while on the job and has been honored by the force for doing so--a fact she is very proud of.

"Yes, I've worked on several people and have actually brought them back to life," she modestly confirms.

Officer Boyd has a two year-old daughter at home who keeps her busy when not on the job although she says she does like to try to play a little golf from time to time. "My game could be a lot better!" she laughs.

"I appreciate being thanked," Officer Boyd says. "That means a great deal to me--and to all of us on the force. Nobody's perfect and it's hard to deal with people at their worst or when something bad happens. But that's what we signed up for."

And the city of Ridgeland--and its police department--is no doubt glad and feel safer that Officer Erin Boyd did indeed sign up.

(Author's note: I had the privilege and pleasure of riding with Officer Boyd after our interview and she was so professional, forthcoming and polite. It was the first time I had ever gone out with a police officer and Officer Boyd made sure that it was a positive experience for me. The Ridgeland Police Department is extremely fortunate to have her on the force and I want to thank her for her professionalism and kindness.)