First Responder Q&A: Chris Evans

Officer Chris Evans

Rank: Police Officer/School Resource Officer at Maricopa High School
Department: Maricopa Police Department
Hometown: Yuma, Arizona
Residence: Maricopa
Family: Wife and two sons
Education: Two years of college
Hobbies: Playing and watching sports with my sons. I like to write and am a published poet.
Years on the job: 18

Why did you decide to be a first responder? I grew up in a military family and I served in the U.S. Navy. I’ve always gravitated towards a life of service and enjoy making an impact in the lives of the people I serve and protect.

What element of your job has been the biggest surprise to you? The continued support of community; also the willingness of the other to help when times are rough.

Why Maricopa? This city, this community, this department, this job is outstanding. We, here in Maricopa, are set apart from anywhere else. This community has been touted to be one of the best and safest in Arizona and we rank amount the top percentile in the country.

Favorite part of the job: As a School Resource Officer, I get the opportunity that I rarely got as a patrol officer. I get to see the end result, for the most part. I get to follow up with the people I serve and protect, on a rather frequent basis, and get to watch them grow and learn from their experiences, both good and bad. Basically stated, I get to make an impact in their lives and I get to see the results happen right in front of me. Sometimes on patrol, you never get to see what happens after you resolve the immediate need or threat. It’s just the nature of the job.

Least favorite part of the job: Dealing with mortality.

Scariest moment: Any and every time I’ve heard a fellow officer, on the radio, in distress or involved in a critical incident. I’ve had too many of these over the years to choose one.

Bravest act you’ve witnessed:  I’ve witnessed Police Officers breathe life into a lifeless person by performing CPR on more than one occasion. Every time I’ve been privy to this I stand in utter amazement.

What you wish all residents knew about your department:  We hold ourselves accountable to them, and proudly stand head and shoulders above other departments across the nation. Also that we truly try and make “Every Contact Excellent.”