What I Enjoy – Joe Labbe
Joe Labbe…
Occupation: Redding Police Department Sergeant overseeing the Downtown Bike Team and
CIRT Team
Years in the North State: 17
Family: Married to Emily Labbe and 2 sons, both age 11
Favorite place to visit in the North State and why?: I love to visit the Whiskeytown Lake area. The amount of outdoor activities the area provides are unmatched. Camping, hiking, fishing and watching wildlife are some of my favorite things to do there.
Most adventurous thing you’ve done? A 5-day solo backpacking trip in the wilds of Montana. I saw incredible sights that you just can’t experience any other way. Sleeping under the stars with no town lights or people around was amazing.
If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be? History. There are so many lessons, positive and negative, that we can learn from based on what has happened in the past.
Time travel: Past or Future? I’d visit the American West in the 1800s before it was developed and populated.
Something everyone should try at least once? Volunteer at least once to work with youth in their communities. I have had so many positive interactions volunteering in various ways for youth. It doesn’t take a lot of time to volunteer and the payoff for kids can be huge.
Superpower? Telepathy.
Historical figure you’d spend the day with? Without a doubt Theodore Roosevelt. He overcame many challenges in his lifetime including the death of his mother and his wife on the same day. He was shot during an assassination attempt and rather than being removed for medical aid he instead completed his speech. Theodore Roosevelt was also an early nature conservationist and helped to make significant contributions to the National Parks System.
What’s a tradition or ritual that’s important to you? Holidays are an important tradition in my family and we do our best to get everyone together for the holidays. Some of my other family is also involved in public safety and because of our crazy schedules it’s a tradition to celebrate the holidays on any other day than the actual holiday date.
Most unusual job you’ve had or wanted to have? Hazardous Device Technician. AKA being on the Bomb Squad. I find the job extremely interesting and at times very complex. While the job requires a lot of training and dedication, being part of the bomb squad is an awesome experience. This job requires you to be one part chemist, one part problem solver and be a team player. Whenever people find out that I had this job, it always raises eyebrows so I think it’s pretty safe to say that is an unusual job.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “The answer is always no if you do not ask.”
