Please join us in congratulating Rhonda Hatfield, a longtime civilian employee for Lexington Police, on her retirement after 27 years of service.
1. Why Lexington Police? What prompted you to apply?
I knew in the beginning that working for the LPD would be a great opportunity for me to make a career here. My uncle who worked and retired from Division of Streets & Roads and was my biggest supporter was always looking out for my well-being. He really wanted me to work somewhere with LFUCG and I was lucky enough to work for the Lexington Police Department.
2. What assignments have you held throughout your career?
I started in 1994 in Central Records, then was promoted and moved to Communications. I spent most of my career in the Traffic Section, 15 years to be exact, and then finally promoted again and finishing in the Bureau of Patrol.
3. What do you enjoy most about your job?
I have really enjoyed learning all the different parts of how our department functions from day to day. It is nice to know that I can go into the office knowing that we have a great group of employees that enjoy working together.
4. Any fond memories or individuals that stick out?
Oh my goodness, I have several people that have made my job worth coming to work for. When I started way back in 1994 there was one lady, Charlene Hall aka: Charlie, who took me under her wing and we flew together and so enjoyed working together.
Then I don’t know where I would be today if wasn’t for Retired Captain Melinda Massarone. I always say she was my mentor. When I first met Melinda, she stopped me in the hall one day and asked me if I had any sisters. I said yes... and it turns out they all went to elementary school together in the early 1970s. How she knew that was mind-blowing and ever since then she and I started get to know one another.
Several of my family members have worked for the City as well. My cousin, retired Officer Darrell Jones, was my rock. He and I worked five jobs together over the years. We grew up together and were always more like brother and sister than cousins.
And of course there is my birthday buddy, retired Safety Officer Lela Durman. We have developed an awesome friendship over the years.
5. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? And any immediate plans after your retire?
After I retire, my husband and I need to do some projects around the house since we will be spending a lot more time together there. Then hopefully do some traveling. And I know our grandkids will keep us busy like they already do. We have a boat on Herrington Lake and we will be on the water as much as possible.
I want to thank everyone that I have worked with over the years it has been a wonderful place to work at. And I especially want to thank my husband Michael Hatfield for his many years of love and support.
