Look at Ames police officer Rory Echer, and you’ll see the things typically associated with a cop. You’ll see the uniform. You’ll see the badge.

But look closer, and you’ll see the things that make Echer more than a strong-arm of the law. You’ll see a caring smile. You’ll see an inquisitive look.

In nearly two years on the job as Ames’ first community-resource officer, Echer has become a prominent member not just of the Ames Police Department, but of the Ames community.

And he’s being recognized for his efforts, having been named the 1999 Officer of the Year.

Echer always knew law enforcement was for him, but after graduating from Ballard High School in 1980, he didn’t immediately move into police work.

In 1982, Echer took a job with the City of Huxley maintenance department, tooling around on various fix-it-up projects and keeping things running smoothly.

It was a year later that Huxley Chief of Police Nels Nord offered Echer a position with his department.

“I knew that he had always been interested, so when a spot opened for a reserve officer, I thought of him,” Nord said. “He turned out to be a great officer; he’s a diligent worker in everything he does.”

In 1985, the Huxley Police Department sent Echer to the Iowa Police Academy in Johnston to become officially certified.

Echer accepted a patrol officer position with the Ames Police Department in October of 1994. He brought along the community policing techniques he used daily in Huxley to his work in Ames.

“In a smaller place like Huxley, getting involved with residents on a personal level is what you do every day,” he said. “That’s what small-town police work is about. And it’s what all police work should be about — talking with residents about solutions and really getting to know them.”

Besides talking with people one-on-one, Echer is also a firm believer in educating the community and making the police department active in helping those in need.

“Police work should be about catering to the public and helping out,” he said. “That’s what myself and the entire department are working at.”

One service program that Echer initiated involves youth who have been sentenced to community service. In that program, Echer organizes projects such as raking leaves for youth to help elderly people.

Another project spearheaded by Echer is the Citizen Police Academy, an 11-week program designed to educate residents about law enforcement and give them a taste of life as an officer. The program meets one night per week for three hours.

Echer also has worked closely in developing police-related programming for city government Channel 12. He’s organized and appeared in programs that illustrate routine police procedure, such as pulling someone over or responding to a domestic dispute. Another popular program has been Ames’ Most Wanted, a local version of America’s Most Wanted.

Echer is the first to point out that despite his crowning as Officer of the Year, successful policing comes only through a group effort.

“I can work as hard as I want, but without the support and hard work of every officer, our presence in the community doesn’t come through,” he said. “I appreciate the honor, but everyone I work with deserves it also.”