Meet Mike Hill

Q: Mike, congratulations on your promotion to Sergeant! What does this promotion mean to you personally and professionally?

A: Thank you. It's a tremendous honor and something I've worked toward throughout my career. Personally, it represents the support of my family, friends, and the many officers and supervisors who have helped me along the way. Professionally, it's an opportunity to serve in a different capacity. As a sergeant, my focus shifts from not only handling calls and solving problems, but also mentoring officers, supporting their development, and helping them succeed while continuing to provide the best service possible to the community.

Q: What first inspired you to pursue a career in law enforcement?

A: I was always drawn to a career where no two days are the same and where I could make a positive difference in people's lives. Law enforcement offered the opportunity to help people during some of the most important moments they'll experience while also being part of something bigger than myself.

Law enforcement is also a family tradition. My grandfather and father were both police officers, and both of my brothers are currently police officers, so it's a profession that has always been a part of my life.

Q: You've now spent 12 years with the department, all in patrol. What originally attracted you to patrol work?

A: Patrol is the backbone of policing. It's where you're constantly learning, responding to a wide variety of calls, and building relationships throughout the community. I enjoyed the challenge and unpredictability of patrol from the beginning, and I appreciated that every shift presented new opportunities to solve problems and help people.

Q: What are some of the biggest lessons you've learned over the course of your career?

A: One of the biggest lessons is that communication is often your most valuable tool. Taking the time to listen, treating people with respect, and remaining calm can resolve many situations before they escalate. I've also learned the importance of teamwork. No officer succeeds alone, and the relationships you build with your fellow officers are critical to serving the community effectively.

Q: How has policing changed since you first joined the department?

A: Policing has become more complex in many ways. Officers are expected to be problem-solvers, crisis responders, mediators, and investigators all at once. The public has greater expectations, technology has changed how we do our jobs, and there is increased emphasis on transparency and accountability. Through all of those changes, the core mission remains the same—serving the community with professionalism, fairness, and integrity.

Q: What have been some of the most rewarding moments you've experienced while serving the community? Are there particular calls, situations, or interactions that have stayed with you over the years?

A: A couple of years ago, a fellow officer and I responded to a call involving a woman with brain cancer whose husband suffered from severe dementia. She was struggling to care for him and called the police because she had nowhere else to turn. While we were there, we noticed that she could barely climb the stairs in her home. After helping connect her husband with the services he needed, the other officer and I returned on our day off to install an interior handrail to make it easier for her to use the stairs safely. She was incredibly grateful, and it was very rewarding to know we were able to make such a meaningful difference in her life.

Q: Patrol officers often see people on both their best and worst days. How has that shaped your perspective?

A: It reminds you that everyone has a story. You learn not to make assumptions and to approach people with empathy while still doing your job. It also gives you an appreciation for the strength and resilience people show when facing difficult circumstances.

Q: You are now serving as C Platoon Sergeant on the night shift. What does that role involve?

A: My primary responsibility is to support and supervise the officers on my shift while ensuring we provide professional and effective service to the community. That includes overseeing calls for service, assisting with major incidents, mentoring officers, coordinating resources, and making sure our team is prepared to handle whatever the night brings. Every shift is different, which makes the role both challenging and rewarding.

Q: What kind of leader are you striving to be? Are there supervisors or mentors who influenced your approach to leadership?

A: I want to be approachable, fair, and consistent. I believe good leaders lead by example, communicate clearly, and are willing to listen. I've been fortunate to work with several supervisors throughout my career who demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and genuine concern for both the officers they supervised and the community they served. I've tried to learn something from each of them.

Q: What advice would you give younger officers who are just starting their careers?

A: Never stop learning. Listen to experienced officers, ask questions, and remember that every interaction with the public matters. Treat everyone with respect, stay humble, and understand that your reputation is built one decision at a time.

Q: What do you think residents would be surprised to learn about the work that happens on the night shift? 

A: I think many people would be surprised by just how busy nights can be. While most residents are asleep, officers are handling everything from serious criminal investigations and traffic crashes to mental health crises, medical emergencies, and assisting other public safety agencies. The night shift is often fast-paced and unpredictable, and our officers must be prepared for anything.

Q: What do you hope residents understand about the work officers do every day?

A: I hope residents know that every day our officers come to work with the goal of serving the community to the best of their ability. We recognize the trust that's placed in us, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our goal is always to keep people safe while treating everyone with fairness, dignity, and respect.

Q: What do you enjoy most about serving the Watertown community? What makes our community special from your perspective?

A: Watertown is a community where people genuinely care about one another. Residents are engaged, supportive, and take pride in where they live. It's rewarding to work in a community where you have the opportunity to build lasting relationships with the people you serve and where those relationships can make a real difference.

Q: How would you describe Watertown to someone who has never visited?

A: I'd describe Watertown as a welcoming community with a strong sense of pride, a rich history, and people who look out for one another. It's a place where you can enjoy small-town values while continuing to grow and move forward.

Q: When you're not working, how do you spend your time? Do you have hobbies or interests that help you unwind?

A: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, staying active, and finding opportunities to get outdoors whenever I can. I'm also an automotive enthusiast and enjoy working on antique motor vehicles.

Q: What would people be surprised to learn about you?

A: People might be surprised to learn that I'm generally quiet outside of work. I enjoy simple things like spending time with family and friends, and I value the opportunity to recharge away from the uniform.

Q: What would you like to see continue—or improve—in Watertown in the coming years?

A: I'd like to see the strong relationship between the Police Department and the community continue to grow. Open communication and collaboration are essential to keeping Watertown a safe place to live and work. As the community evolves, continuing to invest in public safety, youth programs, and partnerships with residents will benefit everyone.

Q: Mike, in closing, as you are settling into this new role, what are you most excited about, and what do you hope to accomplish in the years ahead?

A: I'm excited for the opportunity to help develop the next generation of officers while continuing to serve the residents of Watertown. If, years from now, I can look back knowing that I helped officers grow professionally, supported my team through difficult situations, and contributed to maintaining the trust our community places in the department, I'll consider that a successful career.