Payton Kinne: Hometown boy returns
Hometown boy returns to serve and protect Grand Island
The opportunity to serve the community in a city that supports its police attracted Payton Kinne back to his hometown of Grand Island.
Payton joined the Grand Island Police Department in March 2021 after earning a degree in criminal justice from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He graduated from the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center in August 2021.
Although he had not previously worked in law enforcement, he said, “I had the opportunity to do an internship with GIPD and experience all the different aspects of the job and department.”
That variety is much of what he likes about the job of a police officer.
“I look forward to every day being different,” Payton said. “Each day of work is different from the last.”
He likes the way Grand Island supports its Police Department and is glad to help its residents.
“The most rewarding thing is being able to help out people who appreciate the help and truly need it,” Payton said. “Giving back to a community that gave me a lot growing up has been rewarding, as well.”
The size of the Grand Island Police Department makes it a good place to learn without getting lost in the shuffle.
“This department is big enough to experience many things but small enough that you still know every officer and have good camaraderie with them,” he said. “It’s also a department that allows you to grow your career in any direction you wish.”
Like any job, being a police officer requires “not allowing work to pour over too much in to daily life and vise versus.”
But he would recommend law enforcement to a friend looking for a new occupation.
“This career can be challenging,” Payton said, “but you never stop learning and are always growing, leading to a job that keeps you engaged and on your feet.”
Grand Island, itself, provides a great place to grow, regardless of how you make a living.
“It’s a town with great opportunities for young adults,” Payton said. “I would recommend Grand Island as a good place to grow your future and career.”
