Officer Eric Olsen has been in law enforcement since 2011. When asked why he decided to become a police officer, he said, “My best friend’s dad is an IFPD (Idaho Falls Police Department officer. Seeing him in his uniform with his car and guns inspired me.”
Olsen attended the POST (Peace Officers Standards and Training) Academy in Meridian, Idaho. Here, he was taught the basics of firearms, fighting, and simple ethics. He went a total of three different times. In total, Olsen spent 22 weeks training at the POST Academy.
When asked about whether his job is difficult to obtain, Olsen said, “Yes, it is difficult to get a job in law enforcement. You have to be willing to give up family time, holidays, and many weekends.”
Olsen patrols the school before and after and at lunch. He watches mostly for speeding, parking violations, and crosswalk violations. But he is also in charge of things like student violence and just simply being there to provide protection and safety for all students and staff members.
Olsen says, “I love the job. I get to be a part of students’ lives and hopefully bring with me a little joy. “
Olsen has given so much of his time to our school and our community. He spends so much time away from his family working all for our safety and protection. I think Officer Olsen should be given a little more appreciation.
Olsen offered some advice, “Family is important, good friends are everything, keep positive, and follow the law.”
