Town of Windermere welcomes first police officer to ever be hired during police academy

The town of Windermere is welcoming its first police officer to ever be hired during the police academy to the Windermere Police Department. 

Recruit Police Officer Sarah Hoffmann received the Michael Callin Scholarship Award which provides scholarships to recruits who exemplify integrity and service to others, and is the leader in the recruiting class at the police academy. 

Hoffmann moved to Orlando in 2017 after her husband accepted a job with the Orange County Fire Rescue Department.

Her husband, Chris, and her have been married for 22 years and have three daughters: Kaylin, Trinity and Leah. 

Hoffmann was a physical education teacher previously and once in Orlando kept to her roots and became a full-time personal trainer.

Although she said she loved her job, she didn’t feel it was where she was supposed to be.

"I had put my dreams on hold to ensure that my family was all heading in the direction they needed," Hoffmann shared. "I had been on the sidelines watching my husband grow in his career and relationships, and I knew I wanted to be a part of something bigger. I wanted to make a more significant impact. I prayed about this often and one day was led to look into the police academy."

WPD Chief David Ogden said the organization is excited to bring Hoffmann aboard, and he thinks she will be "a great asset to our town of Windermere."

Hoffmann is scheduled to graduate from the academy on Thursday, Nov. 3.

"I know I’m exactly where I am supposed to be," Hoffmann said. "I look forward to serving this community.”