Elizabeth Police Department officer Kurt Hulce has been in law enforcement for 28 years, with 25 of those spent in Elbert County, and the last 20 with Elizabeth Police Department. A resident of Kiowa since 1999, he spent five years with the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office starting in 1995 before joining the Elizabeth PD in 2000.

Raised in Southern California in a family that favored car racing of every kind, Hulce said he always knew he wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement and fire and rescue.

“I started in law enforcement through the cadets program in California, then made my way through the state parks as a ranger in Colorado,” said Hulce. “I did 15 years as a volunteer reserve firefighter with Kiowa and Elizabeth.”

Hulce said his decision to serve the communities of Elizabeth and Elbert County was cemented when his daughter was born in 1998 with a rare skin disease. They battled the incurable disease for 11 years before she passed away, and Hulce said the community was supportive and helped them through the difficult time.

“The community did so much for my daughter, and it’s nice to be able to give back to them,” said Hulce. “The department has always been supportive of me, and when my daughter was in the hospital they would always make sure that things would be taken care of. We are a different breed out here, but we are always looking after one another.”

Hulce has seen a lot of changes in the field of law enforcement during his 28-year career. Some he said are good, others more challenging.

“The biggest changes I’ve seen are legislative,” said Hulce. “The way we train, the way the legislature wants us to do our jobs. But we don’t do this for the money. We’re in it for the people, and this community is the people I want to serve, and I plan to continue to be a part of the great command staff of Elizabeth PD and the town.”

Hulce began serving as the school resource officer for Elizabeth High and Elizabeth Middle School in September 2019, and is looking forward to working with students in the school environment when classes resume this fall.

“Going into the schools is great because I love working with kids, and there’s always a bond working with special needs kids,” said Hulce. “Unfortunately, society sometimes turns their backs on them.”

Elizabeth Police Chief Stephen Hasler said Hulce is one of the best-known officers in the department, with many young residents having known him all their lives.

“It’s an honor to have Kurt as a member of our EPD team. He is an encyclopedia of Elizabeth’s history over the last 20 years and is the most recognizable officer to the kids in our schools, who most have known all their lives”

Elizabeth High Principal Bret McClendon said they are looking forward to having Hulce serve in their schools when schools resume classes.

“Kurt has been a tremendous asset to Elizabeth High School. We have truly enjoyed working with Kurt, and hope to continue that relationship for a long time,” said McClendon.