THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, December 13, 1995 TAG: 9512120075
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 05 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Medium: 78 lines
In 1991, Robert J. Whichard Jr. headed out to sea on a U.S. Coast Guard cutter to see the world.
Shortly after leaving port in New Castle, N.H., he was initiated into the world of drug-running boats and freighters that sailed the Atlantic by night in hopes of eluding Coast Guard patrols.
Now Whichard has new patrol duties: He's just become an officer with the Smithfield Police Department, bringing with him four years full of unique and varying experiences with the Guard.
``We boarded everything from 15-foot pleasure boats to huge, old freighters. When we boarded the freighters, they used to like to cook vats of pasta that would let off huge amounts of steam - so we would get hot while we were searching the ship.
``Cabinets would be stacked with cans so when you opened them up, cans would tumble out, making you feel embarrassed. Their hope was that you'd close it up without searching properly.''
But Whichard decided he'd rather patrol on land than on the sea, and he wanted to be closer to Hampton Roads, where he was born.
``There's still a lot going on here in Smithfield, and there's a fair amount of drugs in Smithfield. But what I like is the variety in this job.
``One minute you can be on a fast-footed chase of a drug dealer, and the next you can be helping some little, old lady carry a bag.''
And, Whichard says, his stint with the Coast Guard helped him determine his career in law enforcement.
``It gave me direction. I look forward to going to work every day.''
Name: Robert J. Whichard Jr.
What brought you to Isle of Wight County? The people and rural living.
Birthdate/hometown: June 1, 1970/Chesapeake.
What's your fondest childhood memory? My mom and dad cheering me on in the stands while I played Little League football.
Marital status and children: Married to Cathy; one son, Robbie.
Pets: Cockatiel.
What was your first job/worst job? Delivering newspapers/automotive technician.
Occupation: Police officer for the Smithfield Police Department.
If you had a choice, what other type of work would you be doing today? Navy special forces.
What's your favorite hangout? Gun shows.
Favorite night out on the town? Dinner and dancing with my wife.
Favorite food/drink: Pizza and tea.
Favorite movies/TV show: ``The Dirty Dozen''/``Home Improvement.''
Book you wish everyone would read: The Bible.
What's your idea of a perfect vacation? To go island hopping in the Caribbean with my wife and son.
I can't resist: Charlie Brown ice cream.
Few people know that . . . I am hooked on video games.
If you won the lottery, what would you do? I would buy a new house for my wife, a new house for my parents, get a savings account for my son and a new Mustang.
What is the best advice you've ever been given? ``You are responsible for your own actions,'' by my parents.
What do you think is the best thing about yourself? My ability to take a step back and look at a problem objectively to find a good solution.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would it be? The president of the United States, because even though our country is the greatest in the world, we need someone to lead it who really cares, and not just another politician.
Of what achievements are you most proud? The day I became a police officer.
Something you haven't said: People should invest everything they can into the children. They are our future and our most valuable resource. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
by CNB