DeKALB | Patrol Officer Dale Diedrich has only worked for the DeKalb Police Department for two years, but he’s no rookie when it comes to wearing a uniform.

He brings 10 years of experience from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and service in the Army National Guard to his current job.

Northern Star: How did you get into law enforcement? What made you want to be a police officer?

Dale Diedrich: I liked the job and the opportunity to help people. I went into the military and when I came out, that’s what I wanted to do.

NS: What did you do in the military?

DD: I was in the Army National Guard. I did basic stuff in the woods, defensive positions, fighting, stuff like that. I was in Wisconsin, Michigan, and then I went down to Honduras.

NS: What was it like in Honduras?

DD: It was a lot of poverty, things I had never seen before. I remember riding in the back of a half-ton truck, tossing food off the back to people. Even the cows were thin there. It was an interesting place to turn 21.

NS: What is it about your job that you enjoy the most?

DD: The opportunity to help people, especially the ones who can’t help themselves. Sometimes when you get caught in a bad situation, you can’t get yourself out. For example: domestic [situations]. I like to get them back to where they’re leading a normal life.

NS: You spent a year and a half working in the DeKalb County Jail when you were with the sheriff’s office. Other officers have expressed unfavorable opinions about holding that job. How was it for you?

DD: It was not a job I would repeat or ever want to have again. I respect those that can do it eight hours a day, because I have no desire to do it. You don’t get the opportunity to help people as much as others who get out on the streets or do the Officer Friendly programs. Once suspects are there, they’re already accused of something and there’s nothing you can do to help. It wears on you.

NS: What would you like to do after you retire?

DD: That depends on when I finish my education. I’m working on my bachelor’s right now. I’ve got two younger kids, so going back to school is taking a back seat. I’m thinking of teaching so I can pass on the things that I’ve learned doing this over the years.

NS: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you want to go?

DD: Germany. My last name says everything.

Kenneth Lowe is the Police and Fire reporter for the Northern Star.