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Stephanie Carroll/
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Daniel Babiarz, left, takes the oath to become a new Fallon Police Officer from Mayor Ken Tedford Jr. Babiarz first began his association with the FPD as a 14-year-old Explorer scout.
Daniel Thomas Babiarz has a long standing history with the Fallon Police Department, and the relationship will continue now that he is a Fallon Police Officer.
Babiarz, 21, first learned about police work when he joined the Explorers program. Babiarz said the program is like job shadowing that allows young men and women to experience what police officers do. Explorers have to be at least 14, and Daniel showed up on the day of his birthday to join.
“He's a true homegrown boy that started just the way he should,” said Fallon Chief of Police Kevin Gehman.
Gehman said soon after joining the Explorers, a police service assistant position opened, and the department knew Daniel was the best Explorer to fill the position.
Laura Babiarz, Daniel's mother, said she was grateful he got involved with the police department because his father, Tom, passed away from cancer when Daniel was six.
“He was so fortunate to get in with the police officers,” Laura said. “They were such a good influence on him. He was such a good kid.”
Initially, Daniel didn't consider becoming a police officer, but over time the desire grew.
“He wanted to be a Fallon police officer and quite frankly, I wanted him to be a Fallon police officer too,” Gehman said.
From then on Daniel set his mind on his goal. Gehman said he received monthly updates on how close Daniel was to his 21st birthday, which is the required age to attend a police academy.
“I'd see him about a week later, and he'd tell me he was one week closer to being a police officer,” Gehman said.
Gehman said when it was close enough to Daniel's birthday, he went to the academy. He turned 21 while in training.
“I was told I was the youngest person to ever attend the academy,” Daniel said.
While at the academy, Gehman said a position opened at the Fallon Police Department. Once again, they knew who was the best to fill the
position. Gehman decided to surprise Daniel and swear him in prior to his graduation.
“Daniel certainly earned to graduate as a police officer,” Gehman said.
Daniel graduated from the academy as a Fallon police officer on Nov. 13, which Laura said is a special day.
“Friday, Nov. 13, is his dad's birthday,” Laura said. “I just thought it was kind of magical that he graduated on his dad's birthday. It just made the day even more
special. I felt Thomas' presence and pride with us.”
Daniel was also honored with Top Academic and Top Overall.
“Right then I settled a littler higher in my chair thinking, that's my guy,” Gehman said.
Daniel said he has already begun orientation with the FPD and is looking forward to the life of a police officer.
“It's a lifestyle so be prepared to live as a police officer 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Don't expect to go off shift and go to parties. You're not a normal citizen anymore,” Daniel said.
“There's a lot of pride that has to do with it. Since I was an Explorer, it's a way I am used to living. It's a positive way to live your life.”
Babiarz, 21, first learned about police work when he joined the Explorers program. Babiarz said the program is like job shadowing that allows young men and women to experience what police officers do. Explorers have to be at least 14, and Daniel showed up on the day of his birthday to join.
“He's a true homegrown boy that started just the way he should,” said Fallon Chief of Police Kevin Gehman.
Gehman said soon after joining the Explorers, a police service assistant position opened, and the department knew Daniel was the best Explorer to fill the position.
Laura Babiarz, Daniel's mother, said she was grateful he got involved with the police department because his father, Tom, passed away from cancer when Daniel was six.
“He was so fortunate to get in with the police officers,” Laura said. “They were such a good influence on him. He was such a good kid.”
Initially, Daniel didn't consider becoming a police officer, but over time the desire grew.
“He wanted to be a Fallon police officer and quite frankly, I wanted him to be a Fallon police officer too,” Gehman said.
From then on Daniel set his mind on his goal. Gehman said he received monthly updates on how close Daniel was to his 21st birthday, which is the required age to attend a police academy.
“I'd see him about a week later, and he'd tell me he was one week closer to being a police officer,” Gehman said.
Gehman said when it was close enough to Daniel's birthday, he went to the academy. He turned 21 while in training.
“I was told I was the youngest person to ever attend the academy,” Daniel said.
While at the academy, Gehman said a position opened at the Fallon Police Department. Once again, they knew who was the best to fill the
position. Gehman decided to surprise Daniel and swear him in prior to his graduation.
“Daniel certainly earned to graduate as a police officer,” Gehman said.
Daniel graduated from the academy as a Fallon police officer on Nov. 13, which Laura said is a special day.
“Friday, Nov. 13, is his dad's birthday,” Laura said. “I just thought it was kind of magical that he graduated on his dad's birthday. It just made the day even more
special. I felt Thomas' presence and pride with us.”
Daniel was also honored with Top Academic and Top Overall.
“Right then I settled a littler higher in my chair thinking, that's my guy,” Gehman said.
Daniel said he has already begun orientation with the FPD and is looking forward to the life of a police officer.
“It's a lifestyle so be prepared to live as a police officer 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Don't expect to go off shift and go to parties. You're not a normal citizen anymore,” Daniel said.
“There's a lot of pride that has to do with it. Since I was an Explorer, it's a way I am used to living. It's a positive way to live your life.”
