MONMOUTH, Ill. — When he's not on patrol, chances are you'll find police Lt. Joseph Bratcher in a Monmouth classroom. In fact, if the 26-year veteran of the Monmouth police department wasn't in law enforcement, he'd be a teacher. He's even working to become a substitute soon.
"It's come full circle now that I'm actually in the schools, probably teaching more than I'm patrolling, but I just enjoy it," he said.
Bratcher often teaches safety classes to students, from internet safety to leading active shooter drills. He also does a program with pre-K and elementary students called "Officer Friendly" so the younger kids get comfortable with law enforcement.
"Always tell kids, I don't want you to be scared of me," Bratcher said. "I want you to run to me because I'm there to protect you."
Elaine Sander nominated Bratcher for the "Beyond the Badge" award, writing about the criminal forensic classes he taught to Cub Scout troops and safety classes to the public, including a group of 17 widows in the Monmouth area.
As a police officer, he said he wants to be able to pay it forward to the younger generations.
"There are issues we can talk about and progress and teach the kids as they go through their time here," he said. "As they become adults, they can use that information to just help the community more."
Beyond the Badge is part of our effort to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who make a difference in their communities.
WQAD, in partnership with Milltown Realty, Davenport Guns and Key Auto Mall, receives nominations every year so we can highlight three officers in our area who go "beyond the badge" to make a positive impact.
This honor is being given in memory of Detective Richard "Rick" Ryckeghem. Rick retired from the Moline Police Department. His last position held there was as the Quad Cities Crime Stoppers Coordinator. His focus throughout his career was to make a difference in the lives of the people he encountered.