Q&A: Ten Questions With Hudson's New Police Lieutenant Eric Atkinson

Hudson Police Lt. Eric Atkinson assumed duties on Jan. 2 and was officially sworn into office at Monday's Common Council meeting.

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Hudson Patch: How long have you been a cop? How long have you been with the Hudson department? Any awards or commendations?

Lt. Eric Atkinson: I have been a police officer for 13 years and the last 11 years have been with the . I have received commendations from members of the public and service awards for grants, donations and other public services provided.

Patch: What do you remember about your first day on the job?

Atkinson: The first day on the job was Dec. 28, 2000, and it was snowing and I qualified with my handgun with a former Hudson Police Officer named J.R. Ziemek.  I remember him being kind and concerned that I learn as much as I could during my time as a field training officer. Officer Ziemek retired several years ago and I have fond memories of working with him. He cared greatly for the community and quality of service.  He was a fine field training officer.

What sorts of police work have you done while in Hudson?

Atkinson: While I have been an officer with the Hudson Police Department I have served as a field training officer, firearms instructor, Citizen Police Academy instructor, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, interim Chief of Police and now lieutenant. During my various assignments and positions in the department I have been able to participate traffic enforcement, drug investigations, community policing, public speaking, and investigations in sexual assault, homicide and robbery cases.

How will your job change once you assume the lieutenant position?

Atkinson: As I assume the lieutenant position my duties will shift from more traditional policing roles to an administrative function. I will continue the same duties as held by the detective sergeant and subsequently absorb the administrative functions held by the patrol sergeants. I will also assume the traditional job duties previously held by retired Lt. Paul Larson. The purpose of absorbing the patrol sergeant administrative functions will allow them to spend more time directly supervising patrol officers and providing proactive police services to the public.

What are some of the most memorable cases you've worked on while in Hudson?

Atkinson: The most memorable case I worked was murder of Kelly Dahm because of the sheer tragedy of her death. She was so young and her entire life was ahead of her. It was tragic that she had to be the fatal victim of domestic violence. It just reinforces how precious life is and that we should not take it for granted.

What do you like most about being a police officer?

Atkinson: The thing I like most is helping people on daily basis. It may sound cliché but that is why I continue working as a law enforcement officer. Each job in the police department is unique but they all ultimately help make the City of Hudson a safer place. I consider myself very fortunate to work with people every day who dedicate their lives to improving the lives of people in our community.

What's the most challenging thing about being a police officer?

Atkinson: The most challenging thing about being a police officer is the strain the job applies to the family. Police officers are required to work weekends, holidays and all hours of the day. Thus, causing difficulties attending family events such as sports, school concerts, birthdays, etc.  It is understood that when you become a police officer you may be called upon at a moment’s notice but it still has a strain on family.

Where did you grow up? What brought you to Hudson?

Atkinson: I was born in Milwaukee but moved to Roberts when I was about a year old. My family stayed there until I was 7. We then moved to Hudson where I graduated from . I subsequently moved to River Falls where I attended the local university. After living in River Falls for approximately seven years I moved back to Hudson in 2002. I still live in the city to this day.

Personal life? Married? Kids? Hobbies? Interests? 

Atkinson: I have been married for the past 14 years to my college sweetheart, Jennifer. We have a 6-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son. I love baseball, golf and spending time with my family. I also have great interest in politics and government on both the local and national levels. 

Anything else you'd like to share with the Hudson community?

Atkinson: I look forward to my new position within the department and working diligently to improving the services provided to the community through cost effective practices. I am very excited to begin this new chapter in my professional career. People may be interested in the fact I have a Master of Arts Degree from the University of St. Thomas in police leadership. Plus, prior to becoming a police officer I was a private investigator for a company called Vance International.