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Emerald Isle Police Officer Highlight
Brian Vadell
Serving since January 2022
What inspired you to become a Police Officer?
My friend, Mark Chain inspired me to become a Police Officer. When I was young all my friends and I thought of becoming an officer, but it was Mark’s dream. He was my first friend when I moved to Pennsylvania. He wanted to be an officer his entire life.
Mark and I went to visit a State Police Station, so he could speak with a recruiter about testing to become a Trooper. We met with a Corporal of the Pennsylvania State Police. There was an air about the Corporal, he exhibited a combination of strength, dignity and respect for others.
It was at that moment when I realized that it was position where I could make a difference in the world, regardless of how small that may be.
Can you share a memorable experience from your time in law enforcement that had a positive impact on the community?
First, I always hope to make even a small positive impact every day at work, but when I was a younger officer, I had a traffic stop on a major highway with two young men racing one another. They were endangering themselves and everyone else, as they were traveling at speeds greater that 125 miles per hour. I stopped the two vehicles and cited them, causing them to lose their operator’s license. However, one of the young men I cited, I had a chat with after court. We spoke about his love of cars. He loved working on cars. He enjoyed modifying them just as much as he enjoyed driving them. I mentioned why not consider going to trade school for car repair.
Well, many years later while out to eat with my wife and young children a big, muscular man walked up to our table, and he said, “are you Trooper Vadell?” I did not recognize him and told my wife to take the children and go for a quick walk. The man interrupted me and said that he was the young man I arrested years before, and he wanted to thank me.
He was excited to share with me that he went to trade school for car repair and was the owner of a very successful racing shop. He stopped by our table to introduce me to his young children and wife. Then, he said to his children that this is the man he told them about, who helped changed his life.
How can residents best collaborate with law enforcement to enhance community well-being and safety?
I find it beneficial spending time together with the community and talking in a setting where we can find common ground. It helps to listen, learn and understand each other’s points of view, so we can co-educate one another and make an impactful difference.
Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or activities that you enjoy?
I love dating my wife, she is my best friend. We love going to the beach with our two Saint Bernards and our Husky. I enjoy trying to golf, but do not play well! I also enjoy working outside, in our yard.
Can you share a fun fact about yourself that people might be surprised to know?
I sing to music while in my car (car karaoke…lol). To ensure everyone’s safety I keep the windows closed so I do not hurt their ears!
How do you manage the work-life balance inherent in law enforcement?
I’ve had the privilege of working as a law enforcement officer for nearly 30 years now, so maintaining a work-life balance has become a normal part of my life. I have a wife that supports me, she is my rock, my best friend and fully understands my passion to help the community in which we live.
What motivates you daily to serve and protect our community?
Every day I have the unique opportunity to make a positive difference, however small, for the people in our community. Through conversation, education and compassion a law enforcement officer can make great differences in other’s lives. You may not get to see the results for your good deeds daily, but occasionally you may meet someone, while you are out to eat with your family, that was grateful that you were there for them.
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