When PFC Aaron Perkins found out he was chosen as June Spotlight Officer, he responded with an “Out of sight!!!” He's been a police officer for 32 years and recently joined the University of Maryland, Baltimore Police Department (UMBPD) from the University of Baltimore. 

Perkins started his career in the Baltimore City Police Department (BPD), where he served 21 years. He served two years with the Pocomoke City (Md.) Police Department, and nine years with the University of Baltimore before joining UMBPD. Perkins remembers vividly why he decided to become a police officer.

“I met BPD Police Officer Calvin M. Rodwell when I was in the first grade. He was an officer who was in the Officer Friendly Program,” Perkins says. “He was so awesome to me, and I wanted to be like him. Officer Rodwell would frequently come to the school to help out and assist us in our education growth. I still think of him changing my life as a little kid.” Sadly, Officer Rodwell was killed in the line of duty Sept. 22, 1973.

That experience changed Perkins’ life. His favorite part of the job is connecting and socializing with the communities he serves. As a University police officer, Perkins recommends students become familiar with the school, get to know other students, be respectful, and work together to be safe. “Knowledge is power!” he says.

Perkins has accomplished a lot over the years. He received two Governor’s Citations — one as Detective of the Year in Pocomoke City and one as Officer of the Year at the University of Baltimore. 

“My first year on the job, I helped a mom deliver her baby on a car stop while working midnight shift,” he says. He remembers that as his most memorable moment on the job. 

In the future, Perkins hopes to continue to work at UMBPD and continue the work he does with his law enforcement non-profit. He enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife, April. “She's my best friend and I love her very much,” he says.

Perkins and his wife enjoy fostering and raising three  girls who are ages 6, 7, and 8. “We focus on them to have the best upbringing we can give them,” he says.