(Riverton, WY) – 29-year-old Christian Amos is coming up on his three-year anniversary with the Riverton Police Department and can see spending the next 20 years with them.
Below is a transcript of an interview with Christian that has been edited and condensed.
County 10: How did you become interested in law enforcement?
Christian: When I was in high school, I took a class with SRO Charlie Marshall. He taught Criminal Justice at the time, which sparked my interest in becoming a police officer.
C10: What was your path to becoming an officer?
C: When I graduated from Riverton High School, I told myself I wanted to become a police officer. I knew that the legal age was 21, so I’m only 18-19 at this time. Just getting out of high school, so I’m going to have to wait a few years. That drive to do it kind of went away.
C10: What sparked that interest again?
C: Working as a security officer at the Eastern Shoshone Housing Authority.
C10: Did you get in on your first try?
C: No, I applied three times before I got in. When I applied at RPD the first time, the chief said, maybe try going to the honor farm; it’s a good place to start. It’s kind of like a stepping stone to launch. So I took his advice and did that. I think it helped me get this job.
C10: What is it like to work at RPD?
C: In my experience here the people are really friendly, they’re good coworkers. I think everyone here is for everyone; they want to see people succeed. It makes the job fun and easy to learn because the other officers are willing to teach you and help you out. We push each other to do better and stay safe.
There is a perception that RPD doesn’t do anything and that we’re all racist. That’s just not true. This job is the real deal and no joke. I wish more people would ride along with us so we could show them.
C10: What is the hardest part about being a police officer?
C: You have stressful days where things are not always going to turn out okay. Part of this job is psychological. You go from dealing with little kids and then right after that to a suicidal person. It’s just a variety of mixed feelings. Your thoughts are always all over the place because each call is different.
C10: What keeps you in the uniform?
C: I enjoy the change in routine and the variety of the day-to-day—also, my family. My wife supports me, having kids, you want them to have a better life.
The guys that I work with helps make you want to come back; they have your back and you want to have their back. You don’t want to let anyone down. You make good friends that you have collected over the years.
It’s a good environment, and it’s the best job I’ve ever had.
To view all of the posts from the People in the 10 series, click here.