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Politics & Government

I Love My Job: Sergeant Ed Ammerlaan Shares His Passion for Law Enforcement

Do you love your job? Tell us about it!

After 18 years of service with the Berkeley Heights Police Department, Edwin Ammerlaan was promoted to Sergeant on Dec. 20, 2011 at an official ceremony.

We have asked Sergeant Ammerlaan to share with Patch readers his thoughts about his passion for what he does.

PATCH: What inspired you to become a police officer? 

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EDWIN: Many factors brought me to a career in law enforcement but two main reasons motivated me. The main reason is the strong ties I have to the community.

As a child I lived abroad and in many different places but it was not until my parents settled down in Berkeley Heights that I truly found my home. The friendly neighbors, small town atmosphere, and genuine character drew me to the town.

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Now, many years later, I remain dedicated to these residents. The second reason why I was inspired to become a police officer was that law enforcement allows me to apply myself in new and challenging ways each and every day. I was drawn to the unpredictable nature of the work, ability to help residents, and challenge of investigating crimes.

PATCH: What do you love about your job?

EDWIN: The passion for my job is rooted in extremely rewarding nature of the work. Police work proves a steady stream of opportunities to help residents during what could be the worst day of his or her life.

Very few employers give their workers the chance to save a life or arrest a dangerous criminal every day.

From conducting investigations to processing routine paperwork for residents, being a police officer allows me to be a truly dedicated to community policing and providing residents with the best service possible.

PATCH: What is most fascinating about the use of technology today in law enforcement?

EDWIN: The use of technology is by far one of the most fascinating aspects of law enforcement today. The connectivity between officers on the street and the vast databases is truly amazing.

Police officers can instantly look up driving history, warrant checks across the country, and national criminal data bases. The streaming data across radios, mobile data computers, and dispatch centers all enable officers to conduct safer and more informed operations.

I have been fortunate enough to be the catalyst for much of the upgrades in Berkeley Heights allowing officers to access the vast amount of information available to law enforcement in the 21st century.

PATCH: What do you think you would be doing today if you were not a police officer

EDWIN: If I had not pursued a career in law enforcement I likely would have become involved in the corporate world as an IT consultant. I was formally educated as an electrical engineer and expect I would be employed applying computer systems to make a company become more efficient and effective.

PATCH: Anything else you would like to share with Patch readers? 

EDWIN: Never doubt life's possibilities. As a young man I did not see myself becoming a police officer but life presented possibilities which I seized upon and they have brought me to a place I never could have imagined.

Becoming a Sergeant with the Berkeley Heights Police is the realization of the last 18 years I have spent with the department.

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