By Sarah Nigbor

When Brette Huppert was growing up, she couldn’t picture herself in any other career than as a police officer. She’s been in law enforcement for five years and has never looked back.

“It’s really all I could see myself doing,” Huppert said. “I liked being able to help people from a very young age. I like being part of the community and part of community groups. It just kind of worked out that law enforcement was the thing.” Huppert, who attended Chippewa Valley Technical College’s Law Enforcement Academy, worked as a police officer for the City of Prescott before joining the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office three years ago. The Chisago Lakes, Minn.-native started off in the jail in order to get acquainted with that side of law enforcement. She then moved to patrol, responding to calls and staying up all hours of the night.

“My favorite calls were the juvenile calls, where we either had to help kids or any sort of mental health juvenile calls,” Huppert said. “I liked those the most. I work pretty well with kids. When this spot (the DARE officer) came open, it was kind of a no-brainer.”

When longtime DARE Officer Chad Koranda announced his intent to run for Pierce County Sheriff, Huppert decided to apply for the position. In July, she attended training at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in St. Paul. She officially began in her new role as DARE officer in August.

“I’m a DARE graduate myself,” Huppert smiled. “Chad Koranda had nothing but good things to say about it. It’s a lot of fun.”

Each day, Huppert and the colorful DARE squad go to a different Pierce County school. While she is certified to teach grades K-5, she usually takes fifth-graders through the 12-week program.

“The days are full of kids and it’s fun,” Huppert said. “You never know what the day is going to bring.”

Huppert applauded the Pierce County DARE program and what Koranda has accomplished the past eight years in the role. She admitted one of the biggest hurdles this year has been students asking where he is. At the beginning of the year, she eased herself into the role with Koranda by her side.

“Especially the fifth graders,” she said. “He has a great personality.”

Huppert enjoys reading the students’ DARE essays. She was surprised when students listed one of the best part of the program was getting to know a new police officer.

“Some of the girls were happy they got to see a female law enforcement officer,” Huppert said. “It’s not as rare anymore. I like being that role model for girls that age. The first time I walked into a classroom, I heard a girl say, ‘OMG, she’s a girl.’” Huppert’s favorite part of the DARE curriculum is the students’ time to ask questions.

“Whether that’s to understand how law enforcement works or to get to know me better,” she laughed. “I’ve been asked ‘what’s my favorite color?’ and ‘what’s my favorite food?’ We’re just like their parents, we’re regular people too.”

Answering those questions is important to Huppert as a way to humanize the badge.

“They’re always a bit surprised to find out I’m not much different than them.”

In the past couple of weeks, students from Elmwood, Plum City, Spring Valley and Prescott have celebrated their DARE graduations. In January, Huppert will begin teaching students at Ellsworth, St. Joseph Parish School in Prescott, and St. Francis in Ellsworth. The curriculum, which counsels kids against drug and alcohol use, also addresses peer pressure, bullying, communication and risks and consequences.

Huppert is true believer in the DARE program, which is evidence-based. It allows students the opportunity to ask questions they may not feel comfortable asking their parents.

“I think the coolest part this year was being able to be another adult in these kids’ lives,” Huppert said. “That was one of the biggest surprises, was having these kids open up to me. I’m another person to go to if they have something going on in their lives. It’s good to see the impact I’ve made. It’s a good feeling.”

When she’s not at work, Huppert can be found spending time with her family. Her husband, Donny, is Pierce County’s K9 officer. Her in-laws are from the Ellsworth area. They all love to spend time outdoors.

It’s evident Huppert picked a career that she loves. She enjoys the unpredictability of how each day is going to go. She wishes she had taken an instructor’s advice and journaled about her experiences more.

“It’s truly a unique job and you get to meet some wonderful people,” she said. “Meeting people out in the community is one of my favorite parts. There’s a lot of support for the police officers in Pierce County. I truly feel the love from everybody.”

For anyone considering a law enforcement career, she urges them to give it a try by taking part in a “ride-along” with an officer. She went on three or four in Prescott, which solidified her career goals.

“My first ride-along was in Prescott and everything you could possibly have in law enforcement happened in that one shift,” she said. “A pursuit, a domestic, a crash mutual- aided into the county. It was so exciting. I knew this was where my heart was and it wasn’t going anywhere. It’s a phenomenal job. I wish I could explain that enough. Law enforcement sometimes is painted in a bad light as of late, but it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever been a part of.”