Marshfield Police captain Al Knight. GREG DERR photo/The Patrtiot Ledger

TO THE RESCUE

Al Knight

Police captain, Marshfield

"I was on the job about a year before I went to the full-time academy. Basically, they gave you a gun and said, 'Hit the street.'"

"In 34 years, you can count the number of sick days (I've) used on one hand. You're here. One way or another, you're here 24 -7."

"I am proud of the men and women of the Marshfield Police Department."

THE SKINNY

RANK: Captain
AGE: 60
HIRED IN MARSHFIELD: 1973
BIO: Knight grew up in Plymouth and graduated from Plymouth-Carver High School with honors in 1966. He moved to Marshfield in 1970. Before joining the force in 1973, he worked at several companies. After joining the police force, he earned a bachelor's degree in law enforcement from Northeastern University, graduating with honors. He has been married to Patty Knight for 20 years.
What did you want to be when you were a kid? "I was unsure. I thought I'd probably ... make a career in the military. I became a cop first."
What would you have been if not a police officer? "Probably somewhere else in public safety, maybe even a firefighter."
Best advice you ever got: "Get involved with the community. Get involved with the job. Identify people that you respect and who do the job well. Whatever it is they do well, try to do it yourself."
Person who gave it to you: "It's just something I've always felt."
What do you do in your time off? "I like to watch baseball. The Patriots are my favorite hobby of all. ... I like working in the yard, swimming. I read occasionally."

August 10, 2007