The Pierce County Journal appreciates the men and women who risk their lives every day to protect and serve our communities. We also want to help you get to know the men and women behind the badge in all Pierce County law enforcement agencies. Each week we will feature an officer and ask them a fun set of questions. When you see them on the street, make sure to say hi!

Meet Derek Hokkanen of the River Falls Police Department.

1. How long have you worked for RFPD? I have been employed with the River Falls Police Department since April 2019 and recently passed my five-year anniversary with the department. The River Falls Police Department is the only law enforcement agency I have worked for as I spent 20+ years working in the automotive industry as an automotive mechanic prior to starting my law enforcement career. 

1. Why did you become a police officer? Law enforcement was always a profession that I was pulled toward from a young age as it seemed like a very exciting job! I had friends who became police officers. I went on the occasional ride along; this only made my desire to do the job increase. Observing my law enforcement friends doing their jobs, it was something I decided I wanted to do.    
2. What is your favorite TV show/series? Why? There are a few shows that come to mind, such as The Sopranos, Ozark and Dexter. I believe I rank these shows in my favorites list as they all have a criminal element and hold my attention well!
3. What is your favorite food? If I could eat a steak for every meal I would! 
4. If you could travel anywhere you wanted, where would you go and why? One day I hope to travel to Australia. I like warm weather vacations and Australia is a primarily warm climate. I want to explore the Outback, see kangaroos and explore the coast. 
5. What's an item on your bucket list? Spend a week fishing lakes in Texas, such as Lake Amistad and Lake Fork, in hopes of catching a Largemouth Bass over ten pounds!
6. Who is your hero and why? Fishing bass tournaments is a favorite pass time of mine, but I have been unable to compete in many years. I am envious of the men and women who get to make a living in the fishing industry. Some of those anglers would be Kevin VanDam, Gerald Swindle or Rick Clunn.   
7. What was your favorite subject in school? I always enjoyed classes that were hands on. I excelled in shop classes, such as woodworking or auto shop.   
8. What's your favorite place in River Falls? The swinging bridge over the Kinni is a neat spot. Near weekly I park my patrol vehicle in Glen Park and take a walk over the swinging bridge. 
9. If you could have one superpower, what would it be? The ability to see the future would certainly have its benefits! Or flying around like Superman would be pretty great!