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RANDOLPH — The city of Randolph has welcomed a familiar face into a new role.
Anthony Backer was appointed the local police chief on June 1 this year and is still getting used to his new role.
“There is a lot to it,” said Backer. “It’s been busy learning lots of new stuff as I go along.”
Backer attended the law enforcement training center in Grand Island. He worked for the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office for two years before taking a civilian management job in Randolph.
“I worked for four years as a manager of a branch of a local farmers’ co-op here in town,” said Backer. “I worked a lot with the public and put up with the headaches of management.”
The relocation to Randolph also allowed Backer to work as a part-time police officer in the town around the beginning of 2020. He said he has been on the rescue squad for over 10 years and has been on the fire department for over five.
Backer originally attended college for automotive technology and decided “on a whim” to pursue a career in law enforcement.
“My tenure as an EMT in this community and other communities around kind of helped introduce me to emergency service,” said Backer. “I guess that is what pushed me into it.”
As a previous part-time officer, Backer worked under now-retired police chief Pat Eller and said he helped him prepare to take over.
“I had been doing most of (the paperwork) for our previous chief, just as his way of having me put my foot in the door,” said Backer.
Though appearing thankful for the introduction, Backer said his start has been a little rocky.
“Pat left the week prior because of a family emergency, and I filled in for him full time that week,” said Backer. “I’m kind of headfirst in and trying to get us up to snuff.”
Backer said he isn’t planning to make changes and is focusing on “keeping it to the small-town basics.”
“I want to make sure we’re taking care of people in our community, but also making sure we’re protecting our children, and you know, making sure everybody’s following the rules,” said Backer.
Though he is keeping it “to the basics” now, Backer said he is planning on serving the community for the long haul and working to improve the department.
“I’d like to be around for the rest of my working career,” said Backer. “I have plans for the future of getting our department more up to date.”
Backer said he plans to update the technology and computer systems both in the cruiser and in the office. Later this fall, Backer said they hope to activate an updated taser system.
“I’m working on slow advancements,” said Backer.
While Backer adjusts to his new duties, he’s hopeful the community will also adjust to his style of policing.
“I’m probably a little more active than what the town is used to, but it’s in the best interest of the community, I think, and I hope they understand that to a point,” said Backer.
As he builds relationships and finds his footing in the new role, Backer said his focus is serving the people of Randolph.
“The job isn’t all about writing tickets and pulling people over,” said Backer. “It’s mainly taking care of your people. So that’s what I prioritize.”
