Introduce yourselves and tell us what you do for the Erie Police Department
James: Officer Shupe, patrol officer with the Erie Police Department.
Brandon: Officer Ohnstad, also a patrol officer with the Erie Police Department.
How long have you been a police officer? How long with the Erie Police Department?
James: I have been working as a police officer for 16 years, with the last 13 years here in Erie.
Brandon: I am in my 11th year as a police officer. I started with Erie in September of 2017.
Why did you want to be in law enforcement?
James: I just always remember being a kid and wanting to be a Police Officer, as cliché as it sounds, watching police officers in movies and on TV made a big influence on me at a young age.
Brandon: The thought of helping people and being so involved in the community was always very important to me. I really value being a visual part of the community and being someone people trust and can rely on to help them.
Tell us about an average day for you at work
James: I typically work the swing shift, so I’m here early afternoon to midnight. With that time frame, we get all sorts of calls for service which vary shift to shift. I will work traffic enforcement and any specific directed projects like construction zone checks and business checks.
Brandon: I typically work the day shift. My days are always full, but what we are working on depends on the call load. I work traffic enforcement and school zone enforcement, while in session. As you can imagine, each day is different but a goal of mine is to be proactive and available when needed.
When you aren’t working, what do you do for fun?
James: I try to spend my time with family and friends. I also enjoy working on old cars and motorcycles.
Brandon: I too, spend my time off with my family and friends. I enjoy golfing and getting a good workout in at CrossFit.
What is your favorite movie? Who is your favorite musical artist?
James: Movie is definitely the ‘The Big Lebowski’ and music, it’s a tie between AFI and Bad Religion.
Brandon: ‘Braveheart’, no question and music would be Zac Brown Band.
What do you enjoy most about your job in Erie?
James: People I work with. This is a great group and I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.
Brandon: The community support is great and for the short time I’ve been here, the department has been amazing. I enjoy feeling a part of the team.
ERIE POLICE DEPARTMENT
1000 Telleen Avenue | P.O. Box 510
Erie, CO 80516
www.erieco.gov/police | 303-926-2800