Coronado is proud to celebrate one of its own, Corporal Andrew Hutchens, who was recently honored as the Coronado Police Officer of the Year at the recently held Coronado Chamber of Commerce, Celebrate Coronado, event. In his four years with the Coronado Police Department—years that, in his words, have made it possible for him to “call it home”—Hutchens has become known for his strong work ethic, quiet leadership, and persistent drive to improve the lives of those around him.
Hutchens’ journey into law enforcement was shaped from a young age. “I have been interested in law enforcement since I was a kid. I had a religious upbringing that instilled a sense of purpose in service, and law enforcement seemed to hold a connection to those roots, with a little more excitement than Sunday services,” he told me.
After college, he initially pursued a career in graphic design and marketing, working his way up to a marketing director role at a newspaper in northern Los Angeles County. But a pivotal moment in 2016 changed his path. “During my last year as a marketing director, I witnessed a major traffic collision, activated EMS, and rendered aid at the scene. Seeing the response and professionalism of the first responders and having a very small part in being of service to someone in a moment of need, renewed my interest and desire in law enforcement as a profession.” Within a matter of months, Hutchens joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) and, in 2017, completed their academy…