An Endless Journey
PICTURED ABOVE
DOCJT graduate Malinda Dennison plans to use her unique experiences to better serve her community. (Photo by Jim Robertson)
A never-ending bucket list, hope for a better future, and a sense of service have been driving forces for recent Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training graduate Malinda Dennison.
This officer’s journey has been an uncommon one filled with adventure and sacrifice that led her from an Amish community in Spartansburg, Penn., to the United States Army and now to the Hopkinsville Police Department.
Growing Up Amish
Living and growing up in an Amish community instilled a strong work ethic in Dennison, she said. Members were expected to rise early in the morning and were taught to work. Downtime was allowed only after completing chores.
“I had a good childhood,” she said. “But basically, you go (to school) until the eighth grade. Then, when you get out, you’re expected to find a spouse, get married, and have kids. Boys start work; girls stay home after completing school. If (girls) do work, it’s babysitting or cleaning someone’s house.”
Finding Her Way
Initially, Dennison followed in her peers’ footsteps. But when her marriage ended, and her community insisted on reconciliation no matter the circumstances, Dennison decided it was time to leave the Amish ways she had always known behind. Shunned but determined, the young mother struck out on her own.
A friend she met at a hunter safety course welcomed Dennison into her home. Soon, she said she was working two full-time jobs and cleaning on the side. She also got her GED—a local high school let her walk across their stage to receive her diploma.
Hopkinsville Officer Malinda Dennison runs along DOCJT’s indoor track during basic training. (Photo by Jim Robertson)
Chasing Dreams
Experiences that once had only been dreams –what some call a bucket list—were quickly becoming a reality. Within the first year of leaving her home, Dennison got her driver’s license, bought a car, and moved into her apartment. Continuing to pursue big goals, she fulfilled a lifelong dream of working in the medical field when she obtained her certified nursing assistant license.
“In itself, (it takes a lot of bravery) to step out,” Dennison said of that first year on her own. “Everything I did, I had to do maybe twice to succeed because of the lack of knowledge, culture and exposure.”
While taking college credits, Dennison was tasked with writing a report on online dating. For research, she created a dating profile. Unexpectedly, she matched with the man who ultimately inspired her to join the military.
Her desire for a military career continued growing as she pursued phlebotomy and raised a family.
“You don’t just leave the Amish community and not do anything with your life,” she said about her driven approach.
Before the Army’s maximum age for enlistment approached, Dennison said she signed up. She was asked when she would stop pursuing all these goals—she replied that she would only stop when satisfied.
“I’m all about bucket lists, and I’ve gotten to check off a lot,” she said, noting she has jumped out of a plane, went down the Grand Rapids and been deployed. After graduating from DOCJT, her list still includes obtaining her associate degree and buying her first house.
Malinda Dennison demonstrates cuffing techniques during basic training practicals at DOCJT. (Photo by Jim Robertson)
Feeling Blue
During her Army career, Dennison joined the military police and began thinking that joining a civilian police force might be in her future.
While the Amish people do not have laws (of their own), Dennison said they have many rules for handling things independently. By becoming an officer, Dennison realized she could bridge a gap between the religious sect and law enforcement due to her unique background, understanding of the Amish culture, and ability to speak German, which Amish people commonly use.
Further narrowing her scope of interest, Dennison said she witnessed a domestic violence incident occur in a parking lot several years ago and couldn’t do anything about it.
“That just inspired me even more to be a police officer,” she said, adding that eventually, she wants to work as a sexual assault detective.
Malinda Dennison during firearms training at DOCJT. (Photo by Jim Robertson)
Lessons from Life
So, what lessons was Dennison able to take away from her exceptional journey to policing? According to her, several—such as being hard-working, family-oriented, having control and compassion.
And what does she want others to know about her story of leaving her family and community to build a new life all on her own?
“It doesn’t matter where you are in life; you can do anything you want,” she said. “If you want it, you can do it. Many people have said I can’t—but I always come out doing it.”
Hopkinsville Officer Malinda Dennison conducts a training scenario at DOCJT. (Photo by Jim Robertson)
