Town of Erie Police Department Introductions

It has been awhile since we’ve introduced some of the men and women of the Town of Erie Police Department, but we’re back!

These introductions are informal and brief – so whether you are new to Erie or have lived here for years, we hope you’ll take just a moment to get to know us a little better.  And next time you see us out in the community – be sure to say “hi” to our officers.  We are only strangers once. 

It is an honor to serve you and the entire Erie community.  Thank you!

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 11^th 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