MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The Hutchinson Police Department has welcomed three new officers to its ranks, each bringing a unique background and motivation for serving the community.
Each of these three new officers completed 14 weeks of training at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center, where they gained experience in firearms, driving, and scenario-based exercises.
Trey Morris, a Buhler native, said his decision to pursue law enforcement was inspired by his father, Stephen Morris, who served with the Kansas Highway Patrol.
Morris hopes to eventually serve in either the traffic division or the repeat offender unit. “One of my biggest reasons was wanting to follow in my dad’s footsteps,” Morris said. “At the end of the day, it’s about helping people, and that’s what I want to do.”
Aracely Hernandez, a Hutchinson High School graduate, entered law enforcement after working as an emergency technician in the hospital setting. She said her experience assisting patients inspired her to continue serving others in a new way.
Hernandez is also passionate about representing women in the field. “Women in law enforcement is very empowering. Women can do it too—I enjoy it just as much as anybody,” she said. Looking ahead, Hernandez hopes to become a school resource officer. “I want to focus on patrol now, but in the next few years, I’d love to work in schools and help connect with kids.”
Grant Gadbury, who previously spent more than a decade in the trucking industry, said he wanted a career change that allowed him to contribute more directly to the community. His father-in-law, a former Wichita police officer and now a high school principal, inspired him to pursue the profession.
“If you’re looking for something fulfilling with a solid support system around you, this is a great thing to do,” Gadbury said. He added that he’s approaching his new career one step at a time: “I want to be successful where I’m at and see where that takes me.”
The three officers graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in early August and are now in field training.