First Responder: Detective Sergeant Robert Burkhart

Name: Robert Burkhart

D.O.B.: 8/24/71

Hometown: Reading, PA

Rank/Title: Detective Sergeant, Public Information Officer, Marine Unit

How long have you been with the Gulfport Police Department?

11 Years

What do you like about your job?

"There's so many things I like about it. Being a police officer, I enjoy the challenge of criminal investigations. Even though this is a smaller town, you still meet different people everyday."

What do you dislike about your job?

"One of the frustrating parts of this job is trying to help people who don't recognize that they need help."

What inspired you to become an officer?

"Several things. I have several family members that are police officers. My father was a volunteer firefighter. I always wanted to have a profession in public safety."

What do you like about Gulfport?

"I like the fact that we are a small town in the middle of a large metropolitan area."

What do you want the general public to know about the Gulfport Police Department?

"Gulfport Police Department's investigation division, we investigate everything. A lot of people think we specialize, we have to be knowledgeable in all areas of investigation."

Do you know a First Responder you think we should feature? E-mail editor Cherlene Willis at cherlene.willis@patch.com.