The decision to become a police officer just felt right to alocal man who recently graduated from the police academy and joined the Florala Police Department.

“Really there is no reason why I became a police officer,” Michael Bishop said. “It felt right to be a cop, it felt like a good career choice and something I would fit in well at.”

Bishop said he’s from Andalusia and is a graduate of Straughn High School, so he wanted to stay close to home.

“I wanted to stay local, as much as possible,” Bishop said. “I saw the position open here, and I knew it was a good job, and a good opportunity.”

Bishop recently left the National Guard where he served as military police for five years, so he said he has experience.

“It was definitely a lot different driving and being in my own vehicle, versus riding,” Bishop said. “ And actually having full arrest powers, and being able to right tickets with my own name.”

Although Bishop was hired in July, he went for his training at the police academy in September and graduated on Thurs., Dec. 4.

Three days on the job and Bishop said he had already made an arrest and handed out some traffic tickets.

“I made an arrest an hour into shift on a warrant this weekend,” Bishop said. “My adrenaline got pumping on Friday because it was the first night, but then it started to wear off by Saturday and Sunday.”

He said he learned a lot at the police academy, but not about handling animals, and he has already had to deal with a snake, beaver and owl.

“We did have to go (Monday) morning to Lockhart because a lady had a snake in her house.”

He said he and another officer had to get the snake out of the house, and as neither one is a fan of snakes, it was an interesting experience.

FPD Chief Sonny Bedsole now has a full staff with the addition of two new officers, including Bishop. Bishop said his responsibilities are more than just handing out tickets and making arrests.

“We’re really lucky here that chief gives us a lot of responsibility right off the bat,” he said.

“He doesn’t treat us any different than the guys that have been here two years, just like he doesn’t treat the reserves any different than us or the full timers any different than the part timers,” he said. “He gives us all the same responsibilities and expects the same, regardless of whether I’ve been out of the academy three days or two years, he expects the same.”

Bishop is engaged to be married in February to Haley Jackson, and his daughter, Olivia, will turn two on Friday.