The third episode in our series on Police work in the 21st century. Not the procedures but the people behind the badge. I continue my discussion with Travis Hilliard, 30 year veteran of law enforcement roles turned security and safety consultant in our hamlet just outside of Madison, WI. The word Police seems to elicit passionate support or passionate fear and sometimes contempt, but in all cases, we need to remember that we're talking about people. Travis does a fantastic job of articulating some of the factors that come into play and some of the issues and concerns that citizens and officers should consider as we work together to form in the words of Abraham Lincoln a "more perfect union".
Travis grew up in Briggsville Wisconsin, a small community in Marquette County. His parents owned the Pheasant Inn restaurant and resort, where along with his brother and sister, they spent most of their time working in every facet of the restaurant and resort business. When not working, he was either water skiing on Lake Mason, wading through Neenah Creek or in the winter months, ice skating or playing hockey on the lake.
He graduated from Wisconsin Dells High School in1988, and then went on to study Natural Resources and Environmental Law Enforcement at the University of Wisconsin in Stevens Point where he graduated in 1993. While working on his degree he was hired by the DNR in 1990 and worked there until 2014 as a Deputy Conservation Warden. Then shortly after getting his degree In 1994, he was hired by the Sauk Prairie Police Department where he worked until 2021.
Travis is married, has 2 children and is owner and CEO of Sandhill Safety and Security Consultants. The business focuses on a multitude of safety related topics with people at the forefront. He also works for Madison College in the Law Enforcement Academy program and is employed by the Cooperative Educational Service Agency.
Thanks for listening. Please check out our website at www.forsauk.com to hear great conversations on topics that need to be talked about. In these times of intense polarization we all need to find time to expand our Frame of Reference.
