Police officers are charged with the difficult task of enforcing the law and keeping the peace.

In the local community, one of the people carrying out this mission is Tyler Weinoldt. Weinoldt has been a police officer in Lititz borough since 2016. Over the last seven years, Weinoldt has learned a lot about the job, the local residents he serves and himself.

"I am lucky to work in a community that supports its police department," said Weinoldt. "There may be other areas where the police aren't perceived in the same way. It helps do the job."

"Everyone makes mistakes, but there are extensive background checks done on people who want to become police officers," Weinoldt added. "You have to be a morally sound person to be a police officer, as well as honest and trustworthy. But police officers are always held to a higher standard."

Weinoldt is one of the 13 members of Lititz's police force. Because the local police force provides the borough with 24/7 coverage, Weinoldt works seven 12-hour shifts - either 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. - every two weeks.

"It definitely takes a certain type of individual," said Weinoldt. "It's a commitment. You work holidays, and it takes time away from family. You never know what the next type of call is going to be. There are difficult aspects to it, and there are rewarding aspects to it."

"It's something different every day," continued Weinoldt. "You get to be in the community, and you get to be outside. I'm not the kind of person who can sit behind a desk. You can help the community and hopefully have a positive impact."

The Lititz Borough Police Department is dispatched to about 7,500 incidents each year, ranging from domestic calls and vehicle accidents to reports of fraud, from suspicious activities to reports of people driving under the influence. Weinoldt said that the winter months are typically slower than the summer months.

"One of the best things about the job is that you get to have a positive influence on your community," said Weinoldt. "You're helping people in their time of need. You also work in a team environment, and you become close with the people you work with. I'd say one of the most challenging aspects of it is dealing with some people who just don't want to cooperate."

A graduate of Hempfield High School, the 28-year-old Weinoldt attended HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College and graduated from HACC's police academy. Weinoldt was hired by Lititz right out of the police academy.

"I can't pinpoint an exact time, but I knew for a while, probably since high school, that I wanted to be a police officer," said Weinoldt. "I feel like I've definitely grown some. Once you start experiencing things, you understand the reality of things. You never stop learning. There's always something new to learn. You've got to stay on top of things, but you evolve into the things you enjoy doing."

"Hopefully, down the road, I'd like to evolve into a leadership position," concluded Weinoldt. "I'd like to take on more responsibility and pass on what I've learned to the new guys."