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One Of Our Own Joins The Ranks!
Posted by Anne
After more than two years of contributing her time and talent to assisting DPS, she has enrolled in the Trophy Club police academy to become a police officer.
“I think this is my calling,” Bagnard said. “Everything seemed to lead me to it. All my activities leaned toward that. I wish I had found it years ago.”
Since participating in the second DPS Citizen’s Academy in early 2002, Bagnard has been an outstanding volunteer. After her tenure in the Citizen’s Academy, she joined the Southlake DPS Citizen’s Association, the Academy’s alumni organization, as a charter member. She has consistently been a part of volunteer activities that assist DPS and has been on hand for public events such as the July 4th celebration, Art in the Square, child fingerprinting, and the Southlake Showdown Police Motorcycle Rodeo.
Bagnard began working with the Criminal Investigations Division of Southlake DPS, spending one day a week at the East Facility doing clerical work that freed the detectives to focus on casework. She often took food to police and firefighters, and brought plants to beautify the station.
Bagnard was the driving force in the creation of the Rehab team, a group of volunteers that assists firefighters during fires by providing them with food, supplies, and other needs. The role was formally filled by the Red Cross, but is done more effectively by local citizens who can respond quickly.
In 2003, Bagnard was a member of the first Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class. CERT members act as first responders to their families, neighborhoods and city in cases of major emergencies. CERT fills the gap until police and fire units can arrive.
All this volunteer activity did not escape the eye of Chief of Police Services, Marlin Price. After watching Bagnard in action, he suggested that she consider a career in law enforcement. With his encouragement, and the support of several other DPS personnel, she took Price’s recommendation and began investigating the possibility of becoming a police officer.
“I am very proud of Katie and her decision to go into public service,” Price said. “Many times people dream of doing things with their life but they are just too scared to make the leap. This will be a big change for Katie and she will make a fine police officer.”
Bagnard credits her love for public service to her family. Her grandmother showed her the importance of giving to others through her church work. Bagnard’s uncle is a retired firefighter and one brother is a police officer in Oregon. In addition, several DPS personnel have served as mentors and have been instrumental in her career decision.
Bagnard believes that being a police officer is an opportunity to be a role model to others. After seeing officers at work and getting to know the human aspect of the job, she has discovered an important side of police work that the public often overlooks.
“Police are peace officers,” Bagnard said. “You should have an attitude that you are a liaison in times of trouble. To do a good job, you’re accessible to the public. You get to know people, know families, and know youth. I’ve seen how officers in this community interact with people. They really care. They want to know what they can do for you.”
Bagnard began her volunteerism as a Girl Scout and continued in high school as a candy striper in a local hospital. Since then, she has worked as a physical therapy volunteer and has helped special needs children at Rocky Top Therapy Center. Although all the experiences were rewarding, nothing quiet felt right until her exposure to DPS.
“After the academy, I found my niche,” Bagnard said. “My dad was a Marine and I grew up going to gun shows, shooting skeet and going to the target range. I have always liked customer service and high public contact. I enjoy the aspects of discipline, team and camaraderie that go with the job.”
Training to become a police officer began for Bagnard last week at the Cedar Valley College Law Enforcement Academy. She will attend classes each weeknight for ten months. Undergoing rigorous physical and mental training in addition to learning basic elements of police work are a welcome challenge. She looks forward to beginning her new career after graduation from the academy early next summer.
“I hope this will encourage someone who wants to do something, but doesn’t know what,” Bagnard said. “You’re never too old to pursue a passion. Whatever obstacles there may be, you’ve got to try it.”
This artile appeared in the August 20th edition of the Southlake Journal and written by Angelique York.
  
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