By Terra Avilla
It could be that I’m extremely emotional this week, as it is my last week at the Police Department, and that is why I am hyper focused on my fellow co-workers.
Actually, no, it’s not what could be causing it. I am extremely emotional this week, as I am going to miss my co-workers and that is what is causing it.
So, without further ado, I bring you this week’s feature – one of my forever, favorite co-workers, who is now the Chief of Police, Ryan Cochran.
When I started at the Susanville Police Department Chief Cochran was Sergeant Cochran. And I quickly considered him my friend. In fact, he is probably one of the most-liked officers we have ever had in our department.
He is very friendly, authentic, and trust me, handles stress very well. During those lucky times that he was my direct supervisor I was able to not only learn from him but identify multiple traits within him that make him such a good boss. Easy to talk to, very respectful, knowledgeable and my personal favorite, forgiving.
When I would inevitably make a mistake, I was never scared to tell him. Granted I knew he wouldn’t throw me a party for doing something wrong, but I also knew I would never be berated or belittled for making a mistake. He was much a, “We’ll fix it” sort of guy.
Through graveyard shifts, pregnancies, a million pizza lunches, and countless corrected reports, Cochran became my friend. (Despite the fact it took me two years to realize “Cochran” wasn’t spelled with an “E.”)
During really rough times, on duty as well as off, he was always just a great friend, and I will forever be thankful for that.
And, I would like it duly noted, that it is not just me with this opinion. If you stop by the police station his office is usually filled with officers, sergeants or just community members who are picking his brain, asking for advice or just stopping by to say hi.
His warm personality makes him a most desirable stop within the office.
I would be remiss however, If I didn’t mention the million other reasons I’ve grown to love him.
One, in particular, is the importance he places on his family. He has two beautiful girls who I have had the pleasure of watching grow into young women over the past nine years.
Cochran is most definitely a very proud “girl dad.” Consistently spending his days off at cheer competitions or traveling to see his beauties, Cochran is a very good role model about the importance of family.
And watching him make it a priority helps set a good example to other officers beginning their families.
Chief Cochran loves this community and has worked for department for a very, long time. He has raised his family within that department and is a staple for the PD as well as the community.
So, as I conclude, luckily for me, and unfortunately for him, I will still very much be around the police department. But I do want to make sure he knows, for what it’s worth, that I am so proud of him, and happy for him.
I remember when he told me he was applying for the Captain position and then our Chief position. And I am very privileged that, as he has seen my career grow over the past years, I have gotten to see his as well. Chief Cochran is an amazing police officer, boss and friend, and one of the reasons I will always love the place we live.