One could accuse Greenland police officer Mike Huber of being a tumbleweed.
In as many years of law enforcement there have been several stops, including times as police chief of small town departments and a stint as a correctional officer in the Arkansas prison system. For Huber the experience has been instrumental in finding the right place for himself and his family.
While working at one of his stops, Huber noticed an advertisement for a patrol officer with the Greenland Police Department. Calling to inquire about the position Huber spoke with longtime Greenland Chief Gary Ricker, who invited Huber and his family to come for a visit. Not expecting anything from the trip save a tour of the town and possibly arranging a further interview, Huber was offered the job. The decision to relocate to the quiet confines of Greenland came easy considering the impression given him by Ricker of a dedicated force and the small town and its easygoing atmosphere. For Huber, the days of moving from one place to another were over.
As with any parent Huber was interested in the quality of the school system in the town he expected to move to. Finding an agreeable educational institution he set about using his experience to enrich Greenland. As a gang expert from his time as a correctional officer, Huber now assists the school and other departments with identification and tracking of gang activity.
Soon after his arrival Huber secured a position with the Greenland school district as a substitute teacher and oversees the In-School Suspension class. ' The ISS program is beneficial to the children and that is why I enjoy it so much. Once, when a child was suspended they stayed home and missed the school day. They wouldn't have the opportunity to learn anything. Now we have them here doing their regular work, and in same cases, kids have come to ISS behind and we caught them up on their learning. Its punishment with a purpose."
Punishment for infractions in school are but one aspect of Huber's day. As a patrol officer he comes into contact with a variety of people who either need assistance or have broken the law.
"The people of Greenland have welcomed me into the community and I have made many good friends"said Huber of his life in Greenland.
The proximity of Tobo's Truck Stop gives the police department a chance to interact with transients who stop for the conveniences of food and fuel. "With the truck stop you get a wide range of characters and it can be fun to see the things people do," Huber said.
Once on patrol Huber spotted a man who was acting strange. Upon confronting the suspect Huber noticed that he was wearing a black dress, with little else. "I placed the guy under arrest for several things and transported him to jail. He begged me repeatedly for the chance to change clothes. Huber finally asked him why he needed to change. ' This is my wife's dress. ' the fella said. "I guess getting caught wearing his wife's black dress would cause him marital difficulties that the criminal justice system couldn't compete with," said Huber with a laugh.
As a patrol officer there are times the job gets serious very quickly. In 2003 a murder occurred at Tobo's. Terry V. Parker was convicted of second degree murder following the shooting death of his acquaintance. Huber, on patrol that day, was tasked with securing the crime scene and looking for the suspect. A passing driver gave Parker a ride near the truck stop and delivered him to the waiting handcuffs supplied by Huber. After making the arrest he transported Parker to the Washington County Detention Facility for booking and questioning. Parker was sentenced to 38 years Most days for Mike Huber end with little excitement. Whether it's attending a game in which his kids are competing or patrolling his neighborhood, he is accustomed to the slow pace Greenland has provided him for the past seven years.
A slow pace was just what was needed for a tumbleweed.
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