This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

A Day In The Life…

Honoring our Hometown Heroes...the Members of Local Public Safety

Loganville Police Officer Kenneth “Mutt” Whelchel knew as a boy that he was going to protect people when he grew up. With a total of 15 years as a police officer and four years in the military, he has devoted most of his adult life to doing just that.

Whelchel started out as a dispatcher for Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, quickly moving up the ranks to jailer. Once he turned 21, he followed his dream to the Police Academy, and became a patrol officer.

At age 24, Whelchel joined the U.S. Navy, just in time to see action during Operation Desert Storm. He spent 14 months aboard a Navy ship anchored off the coasts of Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Find out what's happening in Loganville-Graysonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

After completing his time in the military and returning stateside, Whelchel once again picked up a badge. He has worked as a member of the Loganville Police Department for the last ten years.

“The best part of my job is getting to help people,” said Whelchel. “Everybody needs help now and then, and I like knowing I can do that.”

Find out what's happening in Loganville-Graysonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When a new officer pins on a badge, Whelchel likes to take the opportunity to give them some sage advice. “I tell them that they have to have this job in their heart,” Whelchel explains. “If they don’t have what it takes, if it’s not in their heart – they won’t make it long.”

Seeing children in hopeless situations while in the course of his duties is what he considers the worst part of his job.

“It breaks my heart to see them like that, just because of something their parents have done or are doing. It just makes me sick in my heart, because there are times I can only do so much to help. My hands are tied,” he said.

Come Christmas time, Whelchel changes his uniform to take on extra duties for the citizens of Loganville, especially the little ones. He can be found in a station master's uniform boarding children on the American Legion Post 233 train at the Tree Lighting Ceremony or on top of the Police Department float in his Santa outfit during the Christmas Parade.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Loganville-Grayson