I met with Erica Rigdon at Broadway Mary's, having only briefly spoken to her by phone and through some lightweight texting. I gleaned from those sparse conversations that she had a fabulous sense of humor, loved having fun, and was not mentally built to have any job other than the one she has. At the end of our lunch meeting (which lasted almost three hours), she confirmed my presumption.
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I've never met a spunkier, more strong-willed, hilarious, and stoic woman like her in my life. Plus, she's beautiful to boot with dark hair and green-gold eyes! She's a straight talker with no pretense; she's blunt and honest, highly inquisitive, and observing.
As you continue reading, I truly hope you can get a glimpse of the woman I had the privilege and pleasure of getting to know. And hopefully, you will start to see why she is perfect for her line of work.
An interview and photo session between Valerie Gonzalez & LPD Officer Erica Rigdon
How long have you been in police work?
I have been in police work for a total of eight years but have been with Lorian Police for the last three years.
What does a typical shift look like?
Coffee is a must! There is no way to describe a "typical" shift; nothing is typical for police work. Every day is different. The days you think will be slow are busy, and the days you think will be busy are slow. Each day is like a surprise.
What's your happiest moment you remember on the job, or were there many?
There have been so many happy moments throughout my career, the most rewarding being the ones that no one knows about. The situations we handle that are not exciting enough for the news but mean the world to the people we help. It could be a simple property damage complaint, finding a lost dog, or most of the time, just listening to someone's side of the story.
What did your hardest/scariest day on the job, so far, look like?
There have been a few moments that I would say have been hard or scary, but listening to another officer yell for help over the radio or when they don't answer their radio at all is the worst feeling. Your heart just drops.
Do you have a support team around you to help you through your days?
I do have a great support team around me. Between current co-workers and past ones from previous police departments to my family and friends, they have all supported me 100 percent throughout my career.
What are some of your hobbies?
Does drinking coffee count as a hobby? (Lol!) I don't have many—trying new restaurants, visiting new places, and just overall relaxing and enjoying life.
How do you spend your time off?
Just relaxing!!!
How does the position evolve in the role of an officer?
Even in my short eight years I have been a police officer, the police world has evolved. We have to constantly keep up with and change the way we approach citizens, our tactics, our driving, and most importantly, how we talk to citizens. When it comes down to it, we cannot get any police work done if citizens are unwilling to talk to us; that's everything from making a self-initiated traffic stop to dispatch sending us to a residence for a report. Citizens have to talk to us. If we as police come off as unapproachable or unreliable, citizens will shut down, and nothing gets accomplished.
Some may call this a "man's job." What do you have to say about that?
I'd say it is still a male-dominated field, and it probably will continue to be. I have been very fortunate to have worked at several police departments where I have had the best male co-workers. However, I also understand the boundaries. I'll "be one of the guys" when they're ready for me to be. Women in law enforcement have to remember sometimes, we as women are still new to law enforcement when you think about the long history of law enforcement. I've worked with male officers where I was the one and only female officer they had ever worked with on a day-to-day basis during their entire career. It's an adjustment for both sides, but as women, we cannot expect to come into a male-dominated career field and have it change overnight just to satisfy us. Both male and female officers need to keep an open mind when working side by side. However, when it comes down to it—as a male or female officer—you just have to know we will be there for each other in any situation without hesitation. I've got your back, and you have mine. Because, at the end of the shift, it is truly about us all going home.
What would you tell someone looking into becoming an officer?
Keep an open mind. When you're done with your shift, leave work at work and just enjoy being home.
Do you have any ideas or suggestions that would encourage and/or improve citizen-to-police relations?
I would say better communication. Citizens have to realize that as much as they want to have trust and respect from us, we want it from them, too. We can't help them as citizens if they are not willing to help themselves. We, as police, are not perfect, and I've never met one claiming to be. Citizens just have to understand we see the worst of the worst day-in and day-out. It takes a toll on us over time mentally, physically, and at times, emotionally. We are human. We are not robots; we can't just turn on and off. If we, as police and the citizens of the community, learn to communicate better, there is nothing we cannot work out over a conversation; both sides just have to be willing to talk.
There are too few news outlets willing to converse with police officers to get their side of the narrative. With four police interviews under my belt in under a year, it is evident that officers want to have a conversation. They are eager for the community to hear their perspective and be relatable.
Officer Erica Rigdon is an extremely valuable part of the city of Lorain. It's officers like her that encourage regular citizens like me to continue having faith and confidence in our police force.
I also want to share my gratitude and appreciation to LPD's Lieutenant Dan Reinhardt for working with me throughout this journey. His participation has been invaluable in making these spotlights happen. Thanks, Dan.
