KCC alumnus and retired police lieutenant Joseph Garrett started the Lt. Joseph Garrett Scholarship for Criminal Justice & First Responders scholarship fund this summer to support students in the Criminal Justice, EMS or Police Academy programs starting this fall.
What made you decide to start a scholarship fund?
I saw a need to help people and direct them to law enforcement. Law enforcement has taken a beating in the public eye. I’m hoping this scholarship helps direct people toward law enforcement. It’s my way of giving back.
What is your favorite memory of KCC?
My best memories of KCC were when I was an instructor in accident investigations. It was really rewarding to see the excitement in faces of the students and really challenging them and seeing their success.
Who was an influential mentor during your career?
Throughout my career I have had several very strong mentors. My first day I was like a sponge. I was taught that excellence, integrity and courtesy really mean something and to live by those standards, and that you never stop learning.
Why did you go into law enforcement?
In reality I was looking for a career change, as my then-current job was changing and closing its doors. I was talking to a friend who happened to be a detective with the Sheriff’s Department in Kalamazoo. We were talking about a career change and he suggested getting into police work. He said the Michigan State Police was the best department to apply to because of the many fields that are available to work in. That was the spark that set me into police work, and then l signed up for classes at KCC. I graduated in 1974 and was hired by the MSP in 1977.
What do you see as a major challenge students might have in the career and what advice would you give them on how to overcome it?
The biggest challenge I see for students is indecision. Partly because of the actions of a few, law enforcement has taken a black eye. I’m not defending them, but the other thousands of police departments and officers who are remarkable keep doing their jobs. We need good people to come into these departments. To the new student: Learn and challenge yourself and be determined and you will succeed.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Last but not least, take the good and not the bad, set your goals high and keep working toward them. Yes, I’m partial to the MSP, but I had a great career of almost 28 years. I wore many different hats in the department. So I say again: Get your education, work hard and the thing you want will come to you.
This article first appeared in the December 2024 edition of BruIN magazine. To read the issue online, please visit kellogg.edu/bruinmagazine.