Sergeant Joshua Greene, in charge of the Detective Division, was recently named 2024 employee of the year for the Americus Police Department. Greene shared what it was like receiving the recognition. “It was a surprise, just with so many changes that had taken place in the last year, it just felt good to be recognized by your peers.”

Greene has been with the APD for 10 years, and described the experience. “A lot of growth and a lot of learning.” He was promoted to sergeant over the Investigation Division just last year. The new and increased responsibilities resulted in a lot of growth. “It was definitely good to get an award in the midst of all that.”

An Americus native, Greene had left for the army for a few years, before applying to work as a police officer in his home town.

Greene has experienced challenges working as a police officer in a small town, with cases involving family and friends the hardest. “It’s challenging, but it’s also rewarding when you get to help somebody that you grew up with at the same time.”

The field is challenging enough as it is. “Sometimes it may feel the same or look the same, but nothing is ever the same. It’s definitely a career that you have to adapt [to] every day.” Greene gave shootings as one challenge Americus faces. “It seems like now we’re dealing with more of a younger crowd. . . it gets heartbreaking.” One factor that has increased the complexity of crime fighting is social media. With AI, suspects can change their appearance, their names, and even tag locations they aren’t actually at.

While policing deals with evidence, Greene has found support from faith. “You try to look for God in a lot of stuff, and it keeps you centered. It keeps you humble.”

Greene also gave advice for anyone who might be considering policing. “Definitely make sure it’s in your heart.” The job requires an ability to deal with difficult situations, from traffic stops to talking with victims after a crime has been committed.

Greene couldn’t give one case in particular that put his skills to the test, but said that they all had their own challenges. “You use a different set of skills each time you get a case, because you’re dealing with different people, you’re dealing with different personalities.”

When asked if he had a final message for the community, he acknowledged that interactions with police aren’t always pleasant. “If you’re not the person calling 911, for help, you’re usually the person on the other side of a traffic stop.” However, their mission is to serve the community. “We are here to help. We are here to make life livable. We are here to make it better. You know, we can be your friend. We can be your counselor.”

He also reiterated his appreciation for the receiving the 2024 employee of the year recognition, expressing his love for the community. “A lot of hard work went into it. It was definitely a team award.”