Police Stories: Officer Jeff Huser

Posted by Guest Columnist Community Thursday, March 18th, 2010

Text for this series from Randy Byrd, Cary PBA Chapter President.

Cary, NC – Continuing our series of Cary Police stories, we profile Corporal Jeff Huser. Jeff was nominated this year for the George Almond “Officer of the Year” award. Here is his story.

The Expert Cop

Jeff was nominated by his supervisor, Sgt. Brian Smith for his incredible work ethic and the actions that he took to save a fellow officer’s life.  In his nomination, Sgt. Smith highlighted some specific examples that demonstrate Corporal Huser’s dedication to the department and the citizens he serves.

First, Jeff is a member of Cary’s Emergency Response Team. He has served in that position since 1996. On that team Jeff serves as one of the two snipers for the entire department. Being a member of that team requires that Jeff be on call every two weeks. Usually they train about 4 times a month. During 2009 it is estimated that he has spent around 350 hours doing this assignment for the town.

Second, Jeff is one of the founding members of the Cary Police Department honor guard. Jeff is the catalyst behind the program. He researched and submitted the program to the command staff back in 1997 and has served as a member ever since. During the year Jeff spends about 30 hours as an honor guard. There he marches in parades, ceremonies in the police department and North Carolina, and represents the police department in funerals for officers who have lost their lives in North Carolina.

Third, Jeff is one of twelve firearm instructors. Being one of these instructors is a lot of pressure. They have to maintain safety and security for each officer while they are at the range. They have to teach and demonstrate new techniques to officers. Each year they are required to work at the firing range to make sure each officer qualifies with their assigned weapons. During 2009 it is estimated that Jeff has spent around 50 hours doing his assigned task of firearm’s instructor.

Fourth, Jeff is one of seven driver instructors for the department. Like firearms, they have to make sure of everyone’s safety while at the track. They also have to demonstrate and teach new skills to the officers. During 2009 it is estimated that Jeff spent around 50 hours doing this task as well.

Saving Officer Knick

On Tuesday, September 29, 2009, Jeff started his day just like any other training day at the driving track in Sanford, NC. He, along with others, went out before the students arrived and made sure the driving course was safe and set up correctly.

During the training day a fellow officer in Jeff’s group, Travis Knick, started to complain of shortness of breath. Jeff immediately guided the student to safe area and started to assess his condition. Jeff had another officer in the group call for EMS to respond to the scene.

Jeff stayed with the officer until EMS arrived on the scene and took over care of the officer. Later that day, Jeff responded to the hospital to check on his fellow officer and to comfort the family. One officer noted that Jeff’s quick response to care for his fellow officer may have saved that officer’s life. Corporal Huser said that he just relied on his training and tried to remain calm so his fellow officer could stay focused and not worry about his condition.

“He should be used as a model to other officers on how to remain calm in an adverse situation,” said Sgt. Smith.

A Modest Hero

When Corporal Huser was asked to describe what this award and George Almond’s legacy means to him he offered these thoughts.

“This award, though created by a tragedy, really is a positive for others.  George Almond was shot in the line of duty and left awaiting his fate on the side of US 1.  The award to me is not what transpired that night, but how a great person became even greater.  Though he may not have thought about giving up, his love of live and family overpowered everything.  For George Almond to conquer something that seemed nearly impossible, I find it an honor to have my name mentioned with his.”

Bio

Jeff Huser was born in Indianapolis, Indiana and later lived in Galveston, Texas before his family moved to the Triangle area.

Jeff graduated from Apex High School and attended Wake Technical Community College.  He started his career with the Roanoke Rapids police department in 1992, before coming to work with the Cary police department in 1995.

Jeff has worked in many assignments throughout his time with the Cary police department including the bike team and the traffic safety team.  Jeff is currently a Corporal assigned to the Field Operations division.

Story edited by Hal Goodtree.

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