Nine years ago, Erin became the first female police officer in the Prosper Police Department. Today, she is an integral part of the ever-growing department.
She came to Prosper Police Department after a lengthy service in the military, which runs in her family, as her father, Gary, was a retired Marine. However, Erin chose to join the United States Air Force where she worked as a vehicle operator and civil engineering electrician for high and low voltage. “I was in the military for twenty years, two months and three days,” she said. “I think every military person knows their length of service down to the day.”
During her time in the military she was stationed at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas and in northern Italy. She deployed four times to southwest Asia, including Iraq. Two of her deployments came after she was on the job with Prosper Police Department.
Since retiring from military service, in addition to her patrol duties, Erin devotes much of her time to many of Prosper Police Department’s community outreach efforts including crime prevention, Citizens on Patrol, Citizens Police Academy and the annual National Night Out.
Erin is also close to her family. Her parents moved to Prosper after she took the position with Prosper Police Department and Erin said she loves having them close by. “As your parents age, you want to know they are taken care of and with them being right here, I know I am simply a phone call away if needed,” she said. She also has two younger sisters. One is an accountant in Fort Worth and one is in a special needs home in the Flower Mound area. “Growing up with a sibling with special needs has taught me a great deal of love and patience, which is absolutely necessary in this job,” said Erin.
The growth in Prosper has impacted the police department as well. Many new faces can be seen around the department in recent days, but Erin says she is fortunate that there is still a great deal of familiarity as well. “Sergeant Golden was my field training officer when I started with the department nine years ago and he’s still my supervisor today,” she laughed. “Assistant Chief McHone was here when I came as well.”
At home, Erin likes to relax with her five-year old Irish Setter she rescued named Ralph. She said, “He’s a little spoiled, as you can imagine.” When asked what she loves about Prosper and being a part of its police department,” she said, “I feel very settled here and really cannot imagine myself anywhere else. It’s truly home.”
The Prosper Times is featuring Prosper residents each week in “Prosper Profiles.” We want to bring to the forefront individuals who quietly go about their business with little to no fanfare. If you know of someone who qualifies for this spot, please send an email to let us know.
Renee Marler | Renee@CedarbrookMedia.com
