Chatham + Stockport Chief of Police a ‘Hometown Hero’

Peter Volkmann, of Stuyvesant, is the Chief of Chatham Police, Chief of Stockport Police, Police Academy Director, and a Certified Trainer for International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. He is a man who wears many hats and who, according to the person who nominated him, his wife Layne, "is always doing something for someone."

In addition to working in the above roles, Peter is a  member of The Board of Director’s for the Mental Health of Columbia-Greene Counties, Volunteer Firefighter for Stockport Fire Dept, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and Motivational Speaker. Outside of his many jobs, Peter is a loving husband and father to his two children, Jaycee and Peter.

As part of the “Hometown Heroes” series, we’ve partnered with County Waste, Latham Ford, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region and Awards by Walsh to celebrate local unsung heroes for their good deeds and honorable work.

We asked Peter's wife, Layne, a few questions about her husband. Here’s what she had to say:

Q: What inspires your husband to work as police chief and train others in the academy?
A: He started as a young EMT riding the ambulance.  He grew to love helping others and serving others despite the many ups and downs that came with such a sacrifice.  Being put in harms way, taking on the emotional toll of traumatic events, responding to terrible calls, being forced to see things that a “normal” human being would consider horrific or unreal, feeling hopeless when matters became out of his control (death) and responding to events that people normally run away from.  This is not just a yearly thing for Pete.  This is his life.

Q: What's the most rewarding thing about what your husband does?
A: Pete is making positive change all over the place, and I truly believe this is why he was selected/chosen/elected to be in all these positions.  He gets the job done and is a truly good person! His heart goes into everything.  He has passion for his work and his family. He completes any job or challenge you put in front of him with professionalism and integrity.

Q: What are some challenges?
A: Pete enjoys a challenge.  He has totally revamped the Stockport Police Department making it a nicer work environment, updating equipment, training, and creating the type of Supervision that other officers look up to and respect.  His mindset is to help the department to the best of his ability (even volunteering his time) which in hand will provide a greater service to the community! 

Q: Do you consider your husband a "hero?" Why or why not?
A: My husband is my hero.  When we met in high school he was my hero and today he is my hero. Pete was, and still is, always  helping others.