GREENE – Speak to Scott Hubbard and you will know that he has the heart of a true public servant. Hubbard, 36, will be the Village of Greene’s newest part-time police officer when he graduates from the police academy in January.
Hubbard has 20 years in the fire service under his belt and was the village’s Fire Chief last year. He resigned from the post to pursue what he said is his life long dream of becoming a police officer.
“I’m chasing a dream,” said Hubbard. “This is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’m grateful that the chief has given me the chance.”
The former fire chief turned police cadet said he sees the opportunity to join the force as a way of giving back to the community and keeping it safe for both his own and other families.
Hubbard believes his experience at the fire department, in which he is still active, will give him “more insight in dealing with people during their time of need.”
Hubbard is officially on the village payroll, which according to Police Chief Steve Dutcher, is a requirement to enter the academy, but he has yet to receive his first pay check. He pays his tuition and fees for the Otsego County Law Enforcement Academy without financial assistance or the promise of reimbursement from the village.
“He has made a huge commitment,” said Dutcher, who estimated Hubbard’s out of pocket expense at around $1,500 plus the cost of traveling back and forth to Oneonta three times a week. Hubbard said that he and his wife consider these expenses to be an investment and is unconcerned that he will not be reimbursed.
Hubbard is currently two thirds of the way through the nine month academy, which is run through the Department of Criminal Justice Services. While he could not reveal the class rankings he has received, Dutcher stated that Hubbard is in the top ten percent for both physical fitness and academics. He has also qualified for all his “tools,” including firearms.
The cadet is required to complete a required 80 hours of field training before graduation in January for which he will be paid hourly. Hubbard will have his first chance for field training, during which he will be accompanied by another officer, over Labor Day weekend. “I’m looking forward to it,” said Hubbard.
Hubbard admitted he has missed his wife and daughter during the last few months as he has juggled his full-time job, family, home and the academy; but is glad he made the decision to pursue the dream. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it,” said Hubbard. “I truly wish I’d done it 15 years ago.”
Hubbard will work part-time for the village once he has completed the academy’s requirements. He has no intention of leaving his employer of 18 years, Raymond Corporation, which he said has been very supportive.
Even if he did want to work full-time for the Greene PD, he would not be able to due to his age as current state civil service laws prohibit the hiring of anyone over the age of 35 for full-time duty. According to the 36 year-old, he fully supports the efforts of the villages of both Greene and Oxford to amend the law. “There are a lot of good officers out there. It is a shame to not offer them the same benefit opportunities,” said Hubbard.