Rocklin Police officers say they love what they do

In a time where law enforcement officers might not always get the respect they deserve, Rocklin Police Department's officers say they're still dedicated to protect and serve the community. "So many people told me not to become an officer," said Vincent Howe, a Rocklin Police officer trainee since June. "They said I should be a firefighter instead because everyone loves firefighters." The media "has not shined officers in the brightest light," Howe said, which has caused a decline in police recruitment. "Five to eight years ago, there were 30 recruits in each class. My class had only 12," Howe said. "It's a hard job but someone has to do it. I figured why not me?" When he was a child, Howe said, he wanted to be a part of law enforcement in some capacity because he "loved being a problem-solver. Five years ago, Howe became a mechanic working on patrol cars at the Rocklin Public Works Department. Interacting with police officers and being invited on ride-alongs inspired Howe to join the force. "I was really influenced by the officers I met," Howe said. "Plus, I've always enjoyed giving without expecting anything in return. That's what you do in law enforcement." Training after completing the police academy takes about 20 weeks before you're an official officer, according to Howe. He is on week 15 of training and "looks forward to what's to come" in his career. Cpl. Officer Marc Guillermo has been with the Rocklin Police Department for three years. Prior to his Rocklin position, he worked as an officer in Los Angeles for seven years. "I remember a time where being a police officer was a top profession," Guillermo said. "Now, with everything going in the world, it's hard to find qualified people who can do the job." Guillermo said the public's attitude toward police officers has negatively changed over the years because of what's shown in the media. The media "highlights more bad cops than good cops" he said.. Gullermo said he enjoys Rocklin because of the community support toward the department. "I became an officer because I've always liked to defend people who can't defend themselves," Guillermo said. "In school, I was the one standing up to bullies. My best friend is someone I met through protecting him from a bully who was trying to steal his Steve Young card 35 years ago. He always tells the story." "There are bad apples in every profession but 99 percent of officers are good people who just want to help protect the public," Guillermo said. "Every day, I kiss my family goodbye without knowing if I'm going to make it home that day." The hardest part of his job, Guillermo said, is having a work-life balance. "Even at year 10, it's a challenge. Sometimes, my own family gets short-changed. I deal with everyone's crisis all day," Guillermo said. "After a matter is cleared, sometimes it still sticks with you after you've clocked out. It's very important to have good coping skills and support systems." When he worked in Los Angeles, Guillermo said, he constantly responded to calls for shootings, stabbings and other violent acts. Rocklin is nothing like that and he gets to prevent crime before it happens, according to Guillermo. Most calls in the area deal with property damage or theft rather than violence. "The Rocklin community is very supportive of the Police Department. They're our eyes and ears. If they see something suspicious, they let us know and we're quick to investigate it," Guillermo said. "The people here are what keeps me going." Guillermo is originally from Hawaii and recently went viral after he apprehended a suspected thief in Rocklin who was caught on surveillance turning knobs on door handles. A ukulele was found in the suspect's bag. Guillermo's partners "were shocked," Guillermo said, to learn that he could sing and play it so they started recording him. Guillermo said the video got thousands of views on social media and he was happy to show a more human side of law enforcement to the community. The Rocklin Police Department is led by Chief Rustin Banks. "I am going on my 11th month here with the Rocklin Police Department. I have had an absolute blast in my first year here and feel truly blessed to work here," Banks said. "I love this community and feel like we have all of the ingredients to make something really special. We have a talented staff, a supportive City Council and an amazing community that loves to partner with us to solve the law enforcement related issues that come up from time to time in our community." Banks started his career in the United States Marine Corps. "I spent four years in the Marines and considered reenlisting but ultimately decided to transition my public service to the local level," Banks said. "Being able to serve and help others is a big part of why I do what I do. It's why I got into law enforcement."