Rapid City, South Dakota – On Veterans Day the Rapid City Police Department publicly recognized the men and women who have worn both a police badge and a military uniform. The department notes that over one‑third of its members have prior service in the United States armed forces.
Veteran officers highlighted
Among the honorees is Sergeant Chris Hunt, who joined the police force in 2010 after a 21‑year career in the South Dakota Army National Guard. Hunt’s Guard service spanned from 2003 to 2024 and included deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Two of those deployments occurred while he was already a police officer, illustrating the department’s commitment to supporting dual‑service personnel.
“Every single officer and support staff that we have on board understands that it’s always about something bigger than themselves,” Hunt said. “Being part of a team that serves the larger community, the larger state, the larger nation is something that naturally draws that sort of person.”
Department support for Guard and reserve duties
The police department has formal policies to aid officers who continue serving in the Guard or reserves. Those policies include two weeks of paid leave each year for annual training, regular communication while an officer is deployed, and the shipment of care packages to deployed personnel.
When a service member returns, the department provides retraining to ensure a smooth transition back to civilian policing duties. Importantly, officers retain their seniority and benefits, reinforcing the message that military service is valued and protected within the department.
Why the recognition matters
Veterans Day recognitions like this serve a dual purpose. They honor the sacrifices made by those who have defended the nation abroad, and they reinforce the principle that public‑service careers can complement one another. For families in Rapid City, seeing local officers who have also served overseas underscores a shared commitment to protecting both the community and the country.
Community leaders and local faith groups have praised the department’s effort, noting that it aligns with the city’s long‑standing tradition of supporting service members and their families. The ceremony also provided an opportunity for residents to thank the officers personally, strengthening the bond between law‑enforcement and the neighborhoods they protect.
Looking ahead
Rapid City officials say the department will continue to highlight veteran contributions throughout the year, including participation in upcoming Memorial Day and Independence Day events. By maintaining policies that protect military service members’ civilian careers, the department hopes to attract and retain individuals who bring leadership, discipline, and a sense of duty forged in uniform.
As the city moves forward, the partnership between the police department and the veteran community remains a cornerstone of public safety and civic pride in the Black Hills region.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
