It is an ordinary Saturday night. Slightly uncomfortable in your heavy uniform, you sit in your sleek black and white car, watching automobiles buzz past on 62. They all slow down considerably when they see your car. But one fails to. Quickly shifting into drive, your foot slams on the gas and you flick the button, making the roof of your car flash red and blue. But this driver does not pull you over. They speed faster.
You are in a chase. You discover they are driving a stolen car, and have been charged with illegally possessing various substances. They also have kidnapped the mayor’s daughter.
Although the chase may have been exaggerated significantly, newly added EHS head police officer, Brian Hubbard claimed, “I’ve been in a couple of chases. It is fun to be in a [fast] car with lights and sirens.” Transferring from working at the Edina Police Department for six years, Hubbard looks forward to the 2012-2013 school year.
It is a dramatic change from being in car chases to sitting behind a metal desk helping students find the thief of their stolen iPhones. According to Hubbard, “There are lots of differences. I used to be in a dark, hot, and uncomfortable outfit. Now I can wear plain clothes.” Hubbard also mentioned, “When I wear the uniform, it makes me look intimidating. One of my goals while wearing normal clothing is to try and connect with students and build relationships.”
Already a month and a half into the job, Hubbard has dealt with multiple stolen phones. However, this is not the least of EHS’s problems. As ever, there will always be some fights, threats, and of course, parking lot car accidents. On this, Hubbard said, “Yes, there will a fight, but my role is to be one more resource for the students. I will try and show everybody what you can do to be safe.”
Before Hubbard worked for the Edina Police Department, he was a staff member at the YMCA. “I needed a change in lifestyle,” he stated, “My old job cost me a lot of hours.” Addressing midlife career changes, Officer Hubbard claimed that it is adults “doing something they have always wanted to do.”
When not addressed as “Officer Hubbard”, his family of three kids, eleven, nine, and almost six, are devoted to his time. He also enjoys racket ball and camping in the boundary waters. His last meal would conclude of bacon wrapped steak, mashed potatoes, and the delicacy of crème brûlée.
To help Officer Hubbard feel part of the EHS community, come say hi to him at his office. “I want to get to know students and be approachable. I do keep candy on my desk, but if you come in for a piece you must introduce yourself.” He won’t handcuff you. Unless you did steal the mayor’s daughter.
