Media Police Dept.: Eric Gavin

Media Patch wants you to get to know your first responders. They do dangerous work and Patch would like to recognize them. This first responder was an Army Staff Sergeant before becoming a police officer. Patrolman Eric Gavin with the says he enjoys wearing the many hats an officer wears each day.

Please send us first responders who you would like to see profiled.

Name: Eric Gavin

Age: 41

Hometown: Chester County

Rank/Title: Patrolman

How long have you been with the Media Police Department?

17 years

What do you like about your job?

I like the independence of the job and variety of calls. Having been in the Army for nine years prior I like the structure. I like my co-workers and how we play different roles as officers; I'm a mediator, a social worker, a mechanic. We're able to turn someone's day around by doing something small to us but significant to someone else. If someone locks their keys in their car and we can help them, that's something small we did but significant to that person.

What do you dislike about your job?

The extremes of hot and cold weather when we're outside on duty. I don't like seeing the ugly side of people at times. People can treat each other poorly at times.

What inspired you to become a police officer?

I thought it would be exciting and fun and then I realized it's real work.

What do you like about the greater Media area?

Media has a lot going for it. There's a little night life, a lot of family-friendliness and I think it will continue to grow and change in positive ways.

What do you want the general public to know about the Media Police Departmet?

We are approachable and reasonable. We're not robots. We think and feel and are like everyone else.

Do you know a First Responder you think we should feature? E-mail Editor Courtney Elko at Courtney.elko@patch.com