Media Police Dept.: Nicci Koban

Media Patch wants you to get to know your first responders. They do dangerous work and Patch would like to recognize them. This first responder is the only full-time female officer currently with the . Patrol Officer Nicci Koban grew up watching her police officer father love his job so she knew she'd love the job just as much.

Please send us first responders who you would like to see profiled.

Name: Nicci Koban

Age: 31

Hometown: Garnet Valley area

Rank/Title: Patrol Officer

How long have you been with the Media Police Department?

Eight years with Media Police and two years in North Wildwood, N.J.

What do you like about your job?

I love the people on my shift and the department and I like helping people. Everyday is totally different, no two days are ever the same.

What do you dislike about your job?

The paperwork. And there's the stuff you see, that's part of the job, but "normal" people never see those things and it's not pleasant. But we're lucky that doesn't happen too often.

What inspired you to become a police officer?

My father was an officer with the railroad police in Wilmington, Del., Philadelphia and Camden, N.J. He loved the job and I was always around it, so it interested me. He didn't like that I wanted to be a cop though. But it was different for him in the 70s. If you didn't know what you wanted to be, you were a cop. He was afraid I wouldn't go to college but I did and a lot of officers do go to college.

What is it like being the only female officer currently in the department?

I wasn't always the only female officer, there have been a few since I've been here. But I guess I've been the only full-time street officer. But there's never been a problem, I get treated just like I'm one of the guys. If I were a real girly-girl this probably wouldn't have been a career for me but I grew up riding ATVs and being a tomboy, even though I did do cheerleading for years, but I can get dirty and I don't care if my hair gets messed up.

What do you like about the greater Media area?

I like that it's small but there's a good mix of everything here. During the day it's busy with the courthouse but it's busy at night too with the bars and restaurants. There's a lot of different issues and people and businesses, it just keeps everything busy. And there are a lot of good places to eat.

What do you want the general public to know about the Media Police Departmet?

No matter how small or trivial you think an issue is, always call us. People think, 'Oh I won't bother the police,' but we'd rather you call us for anything so we can respond. Also, people need to call 911 for everything now, even for non-emergency problems. People don't always know that. Also, don't paint all police officers with the same brush, if you've had a bad experience with a cop. Just remember we help more than we hurt.

Do you know a First Responder you think we should feature? E-mail Editor Courtney Elko at Courtney.elko@patch.com