Former Community Service Officer Reflects on Resignation and Future Involvement in Hebron

"Hebron Police Department patrol vehicle parked outside the Village Hall and Police Department building, with the iconic basketball water tower in the background"

In a candid conversation, Darrick Tomlin, a former Community Service Officer (CSO) for the Village of Hebron, shared the reasons behind his resignation and his thoughts on law enforcement in the community. His perspective sheds light on the challenges and rewards of his role, as well as his continuing commitment to Hebron despite no longer being employed in law enforcement.

Why Darrick Resigned: Disagreements with Leadership and Priorities

Darrick’s resignation from the position of CSO was driven by a combination of factors, many of which stemmed from frustrations with the direction of the police department. According to Darrick, one of the main reasons for his departure was the disconnect between the police department and local government leadership. “First and foremost, I take working for the citizens of Hebron as one of my biggest priorities,” Darrick explained. “But when appointed and elected officials think we should be handing our calls to the county, despite the residents depending on us, it’s extremely unprofessional.” This decision, he says, undermined the police department's role in the community.

Another significant factor in his resignation was the working conditions under Chief Peter Goldman. Darrick expressed concern over the amount of time officers were forced to remain at the police department, doing what he described as "unproductive tasks," including cleaning. “I didn’t get paid to sit at the PD just to 'clean.' I was paid to go out, write ordinance violations, and be at the school when needed,” he shared. The situation escalated when a fellow officer was injured under Chief Goldman’s orders to clean, which Darrick cited as one of the final triggers for his decision to step down.

The Rewards and Challenges of Being a Community Service Officer

Looking back on his tenure as CSO, Darrick reflected on both the rewarding and difficult aspects of his role. One of the most gratifying parts of his job was the opportunity to engage with the community, particularly the children at the local school. “Building trust with the residents and the children was extremely rewarding, especially in today’s society, where there’s so much division and hatred towards the police,” he said.

However, Darrick also encountered some of the more challenging aspects of the job, particularly when responding to calls involving children and families. “Some of the most difficult moments were arriving on calls with children and parents in distress. It was tough to see people in pain, and the responsibility to help them was immense.”

The Current State of Law Enforcement in Hebron

When asked about the current state of the police department, Darrick reminisced that under Chief Gumble’s leadership, there were some very positive strides. However, he also expressed concern over the future. “Under Chief Gumble, I do truly think we were making huge strides to bring the community together,” he said. “But I fear that as long as Pete remains in charge, he will undo the trust and confidence we worked so hard to build.”

Darrick also addressed the broader relationship between law enforcement and the community. He believes that the best way to support law enforcement is by allowing officers to do their jobs. “The community can support law enforcement by letting us do what we’re trained to do. If there’s ever confusion or concern, they should feel comfortable coming to us and asking questions,” he stated.

The Path Forward: Continued Community Involvement

Despite stepping away from his official role, Darrick is committed to continuing his involvement in the community. “If I have the chance to return, I see myself growing exponentially within the community, using the knowledge I’ve gained to better serve the residents,” he explained. While he’s no longer working as a CSO, Darrick intends to remain active, particularly in the school and with local organizations. “Even though I’m not currently employed in Hebron, I will continue to be involved in the school and the community as much as I can.”

Darrick’s ongoing commitment to public safety and community engagement underscores his dedication to making Hebron a better place, even if he’s not currently serving in a law enforcement capacity.

Looking Ahead

Darrick’s future in Hebron remains intertwined with the community he’s worked so hard to serve. He confirmed, “I do plan to remain active in shaping the future of public safety in Hebron. My work is far from over.”

As the community continues to navigate its relationship with law enforcement, Darrick’s voice remains an important one in the conversation about trust, transparency, and the role of police officers in the Village of Hebron.