Carroll’s newest police officer has come a long way for this career. Walter Pacheco is from Guayama, Puerto Rico and left there late Sept. 2017 after the island was hit by category 5 Hurricane Maria, which is regarded as their worst natural disaster in recorded history. Pacheco had recently graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a degree that would help him continue a family tradition of service and a desire to lead through example in his new role.
He chose Iowa, but not just because his mother was living here.
Pacheco worked in security, fraud detection and collections while in Des Moines before applying for the position with the Carroll PD. He officially started on Aug. 17 and says so far it has been a great experience.
Pacheco has been spending his time learning about policies, procedures and city rules as well as job shadowing with other officers prior to his training with the Iowa Police Academy. He has had the opportunity already to assist in overcoming some language barriers. Two of the main things Pacheco wants all of the Carroll residents he serves to know is that he has an open mind and is here to help.
Pacheco says he is here for everyone, but he also wants the Hispanic population to know that he can assist with language barriers and any other issues they may be facing. Pacheco’s academy training begins Monday, Aug. 31 with graduation scheduled for December 18.
