LINN — Emily Crowley grew up in Taos and has built a life there based on a love of her community. She now brings that passion to the Linn Police Department.

“My dad was a Missouri State Trooper, and he worked at Troop F, so I grew up around that side of things,” said Crowley, who graduated from the Lincoln University Police Academy on Dec. 12. “He would take me to all the events the Patrol puts on. I was around a lot of the other law enforcement kids as well. I ended up enjoying and loving what I saw, and I just thought that was the coolest thing I’d ever seen.”

Crowley’s father grew up in Argyle, so there’s a familial connection to Osage County that may lead to a long stay.

“I know the area very well, and I definitely want to stay in Linn for as long as possible,” she said.

A love of crime shows motivated Crowley to go into law enforcement as well, but the journey wasn’t easy. “It took me a while to finally want to get into it because I always doubted myself,” she explained.

Initially, Crowley pursued a position in the nursing field, working as a CNA, nursing administrator, and was certified to distribute medicine to patients in assisted living environments.

However, she reached a point where a career decision was necessary. “I was getting older, and I was telling myself, ‘look, if I want to do this, and actually want to try something that looks like it would be a good fit for me, I better do it now,’” she said.

That led to her taking a position as a jailer at the Osage County Detention Center. “I just fell in love with the job,” said Crowley. “That fully motivated me to go into the academy, because I would love to be as great an officer as my dad was. Obviously, you know, we’re in two different playing fields, but that’s what really motivated me, just seeing how great he did, and the community that he served. I love that, because I love serving the community. So for me, that was a big part of why I chose to work in law enforcement.”

Linn PD hired Crowley contingent upon her graduation. She attended the academy while working as a jailer, and completed the 16-week program with a visit to the state capitol, where she met with Gov. Mike Kehoe and other state officials.

Crowley added that she’s always wanted to be on the front line, where decisions make a difference. “I always wanted to be a Marine, but I didn’t work out because I hurt my knees really bad,” she said. “I’m completely comfortable going on the front lines, you know, because I leave everything up to God. If it’s my time to go home, it’s my time to go home. But I’m not going to let anything stop me from going out there, because I’ve always wanted to be the first one on the front lines. I’m not scared of anything. It doesn’t concern me.”

Crowley is impressed with the Linn Police Department. “I think it’s a great department, and I want to stay in a place I know very well,” she said. “I love the slow town; I love the country people. At the end of the day, it’s where my heart is.”

As she integrates into the department, Crowley is driven by a belief that community relationships are critical. “I prefer to have rapport with everybody,” she said. “When I worked in the jail, I had an excellent rapport with all the inmates. I care more about that because I can get more information. I can also help people more if they’re willing to talk to me. I enjoy getting to know everybody. So for me, that’s the biggest thing, especially in a small community. It’s easier if everybody knows you.”

Crowley is currently undergoing field training with Sgt. Chrisenberry.

Chief Sam Ford is pleased to welcome her to the department. “We are proud to have Emily as an officer here at Linn PD,” he said. “She’s an absolute ray of sunshine. Emily walks into a room, and everyone begins to smile. Our community is truly blessed to have such a wonderful group committed to service and safety.”