Actions of caring trooper led to Gibson's path in law enforcement

What inspired you to become a police officer?

As a teenager, I was involved in a single car accident. A citizen heard the crash and reported the incident to the Washington State Police. After searching the area for a couple of hours, a state trooper found me with a head injury. I did not want to go to the hospital so the trooper called my parents and encouraged them to take me to the hospital. It turned out that I had a concussion and I remained in the hospital for a few days.

The state trooper came to the hospital several times to check on my progress. His kindness gave me a new outlook on police officers and what they can do for the community. I decided then that I wanted to help others like that trooper helped me.

What is most challenging about your job and why?

I think that trying to help people with significant problems work through difficult times is the most challenging part of our job in law enforcement. I would like to think that I have helped some people get on the right path, especially when they are young.

All too often we see young people making bad decisions that frequently make them travel the wrong side of the law. I don't want that to happen to people.

What is a memorable moment in your career and why?

I was off duty at home when I received a call from the dispatch center that a suicidal subject, armed with a handgun, was threatening to hurt himself and he only wanted to talk to me.

I went to his residence and talked to him for a long time. I eventually talked him into giving me the gun and surrendering to the police. He received medical help and has had no further issues since.

I think about that situation from time to time knowing that he has a good life now and he has a good family. I thank God that he listened to me and that he is alive today.