ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Kandy Hall always had an interest in law enforcement.
After cutting her teeth on road patrols and other situational training within the police services division, Hall, who has a criminal justice degree interviewed for and was selected to fill a vacancy and assumed administrative and clerical responsibilities. With a foothold on the administrative side of the house, Hall said she's unsure of where she wants to go from here, but that hasn't stopped her from excelling.
She was recently selected the Aberdeen Proving Ground Police Officer of the Year following a rigorous selection process.
Joseph Darabasz, deputy DES director, said a three-judge panel selected Hall over 12 other candidates during the annual competition which is in its fifteenth year.
"In fifteen years, it's the first time I've seen division chiefs select someone outside of their division," Darabasz said. "But Officer Hall is a police officer who sets the standard and focuses on what she can do for other people."
The selection panel consisted of APG garrison force protection specialists Joseph Kaffl, Richard De Oliveira, and DES's Darrell Wimberly.
Robert Krauer, director of emergency services, led the ceremony formally recognizing Hall's selection at DES headquarters March 17. He was joined by Col. Orlando Ortiz, APG garrison and deputy installation commander, Tim McNamara, deputy to the Garrison commander, Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney Rhoades, and a host of Hall's fellow officers and friends.
Krauer called Hall "incredibly talented" because of her work within the organization and in the surrounding community.
"When I look at people who were selected over the past years, I see people who have gone on to bigger and better things and we certainly expect the same of Officer Hall," Krauer said.
Hall has been with DES since 2008. After graduating from the academy, she worked road patrols until December 2009 and then went into administration. A part of the Operations Division, Hall's responsibilities include processing police reports, tickets, background checks, report requests and other forms.
Hall thanked her supervisor, Lt. Elizabeth Wooten and Bill Marion, chief of the Investigative Services Division and, her husband Brian, daughter Kirsten, 14, son Dean, 12, and everyone who have supported and mentored her throughout her time in DES.
"I do what I do not for recognition; just because that's who I am," Hall said. "When I get recognized for just doing my job I get embarrassed.
"I like it because it's the next step in the process," Hall said of her position. "Working the road is the beginning of the process; here, you get to see what happens when the paperwork is done."
"Each one of the law enforcement officers here has their own perspectives and experiences and that has helped me," she added.
"Right now, I feel I'm still in the learning phase. For me, it's a daily goal: going home knowing I've done the best job I can do every day."
She said she was surprised and proud to be selected the first female DES Police Officer of the Year.
"There are a lot of good officers in this department who do great things," she said. "I'm proud to be the first female. I think it says something about women on the force and I'm proud to be in that position."
The youngest of three sisters, Hall hails from York, Penn. Her husband is retired Army and Hall said much of her training for law enforcement she gained as an Army wife.
"When he was deployed to Iraq, holding it together for my Family and keeping my emotions in check was a tough lesson to learn," she said.
"It's what officers have to do every day. I learned early not to base my decisions on emotions; to keep them in check, especially with disagreeable people. Focus on the violation. I took that to heart and I use it."
Hall received a commemorative plaque, directorate and garrison coins, a reserved parking space, a one-day-off award and a dinner gift certificate for two at a local restaurant.
In addition, she will be called on to represent the DES and installation at various community functions throughout the year.
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