March 7, 2023 By Carol Britton Meyer
In recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8 — honoring the achievements of women and promoting women’s rights — the Hingham Anchor reached out to Hingham Police Department’s women police officers, asking them to share their thoughts about their role in the community and why they are proud to be part of HPD.
Patrol Officer/FTO (Field Training Officer) Kimberly Neveu and Animal Control/Special Officer Leslie Badger responded to our invitation.
In her roles as Patrol/Field Training Officer for the Hingham Police Department, Kimberly Neveu finds it inspiring “to be a part of such an amazingly diverse community that supports their town.”
She began her career in policing in 2015 with the Abington Police Department, transferring to HPD three years later. In 2020, Neveu joined the Metropolitan SWAT team as a crisis negotiator.
Unlike some members of a police force, Neveu dreamed of becoming a lawyer, not a police officer, when she was growing up.
The job has both its rewards and challenges. “For me, the most rewarding experience in this profession is when people remember you for what you’ve done,” she told the Hingham Anchor. “Being able to help the community and others makes it all worthwhile — even if it means the little things such as helping with a disabled motor vehicle. If you have the opportunity to make someone’s day better and it leaves an impression, that’s rewarding.”
Neveu’s biggest challenge is balancing working full time and being a mother. “[Police officers’] schedules are very unpredictable at times, and you have to be flexible. I am very fortunate to have a supportive husband and family,” she said.
A particular experience stands out to Neveu from among many. On Memorial Day 2022 while off duty and driving home with her two youngest children, Neveu helped to save a life at a motorcycle crash scene that had just occurred.
She was able to provide emergency first aid to the motorcyclist, who was bleeding from a severe leg wound, and to apply a tourniquet to his leg. This decisive action undoubtedly saved the life of the motorcyclist, who as it turns out, was a Brockton off-duty firefighter.
In September 2022, Neveu was recognized by the VFW for her actions related to the motorcycle accident. Six other officers were recognized for separate incidents/calls during the same ceremony.
Neveu believes it’s important to have female police officers on the force. “In a male-dominated environment, it’s crucial to bring in a female perspective,” she said. “We deal with all walks of life, and being relatable is a huge part. One of my biggest strengths as a police officer is being a female and having the capability of multitasking.”
Her favorite part of the job is that she’s not working in a typical 9 to 5 work environment. “When you show up for work, you never know what’s going to happen, and each shift is different,” Neveu said.
“We are called into people’s homes at the best and worst moments of their lives, and making a positive impact is rewarding.”
Holding the top spot as she does on the sergeant’s exam for the civil service list, Neveu is hoping to move up the ranks within the next few years and to eventually work in the detective division.
“When I was a police officer in Abington, we did our own investigations, and I really enjoyed that side of policing,” she said.
While Neveu didn’t grow up in Hingham, she has discovered that their passion for Hingham shows among employees who did. “The Town can change, the people can move on, but the pride in their hometown shows here,” she said. “It’s inspiring to be a part of such an amazingly diverse community that supports their town. The individuals who work for HPD do an incredible job of making you feel welcome, and the last several years have been a smooth transition.”
As the mother of four children who is married to a Massachusetts state trooper, Neveu doesn’t typically have much free time.
“Most days are spent running after my toddlers and at athletic events, but as a family, we love the beach,” she said. “Summertime is our favorite season of the year, when we spend our time on Gunrock Beach in Hull. One day we hope to buy a second home in Hull and be closer to the water.”