Meet Tampa Police Officer Chester Holden

Officer Chester Holden

Tampa Police Department

Works at: District 2, 9330 N. 30th St.

Age: 30

Joined: 2003

Personal: married, two kids

Patch: Why did you join the Tampa Police Department?

Holden: I was in Phoenix working for an electric company and moved back to Florida. I couldn't find an electrician job for more than $12 an hour, and so I figured I could become a cop and have a much better career. I got the job and loved it. I would be here for life if I could be.

Patch: What was your most memorable service call?

Holden: It was a home invasion off of 43rd and Caracas of a family with a female and her children. I get there, and as I'm rolling up in my car I see guys with shotguns. They see me, I see them and they take off through the back door. It was a real guy check and chase.

Patch: What is your favorite thing about this job?

Holden: The excitement of the job. There's never a dull moment. It makes the days go by real fast.

Patch: Do you have a mentor or hero?

Holden: My father and my mother are definitely my mentors and heroes.

Patch: What's your favorite junk food?

Holden: I could eat pizza all day.