APD > Special to the Democrat

Tallahassee Democrat -- October 7, 2009
http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20091007/BUSINESS/910070317/1003/RSS02

Worker finds place in law enforcement

Danny Hochadel always dreamed of being in law enforcement. Now he is living that dream as a part-time employee of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office.

Hochadel has a developmental disability and receives services from Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities.

During October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, APD is highlighting the success of Floridians like Hochadel who are contributing members of their communities.

Hochadel loves law enforcement so much that he's willing to do it for free. In fact, he still volunteers for a neighborhood Crime Watch program. Volunteering is how he got started in the Sheriff's Office in 2004, scanning and shredding documents. He did such a good job that he was hired as a records aide in 2007.

"Danny scans and shreds our offense reports, and he's really good about doing anything that we ask him to do," said Kim Helms, supervisor of records and transcription. "He is learning a lot about how the office works and how we serve the community."

Hochadel is quick to say how much he likes his job.

When asked why, he replied, "The people. Because I meet a lot of the deputies and detectives who come in."

Helms says the connection he has with his coworkers goes both ways. "Danny gets along great. We involve him in all our activities, including community fundraisers."

Helms has nothing but rave reviews for Hochadel's job performance and dependability.

"Danny is here every day, on time," she said. "He's never been late. As far as I can remember, he's never called in sick. I can always rely on him to be here."

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn and work in their communities. The agency annually serves about 35,000 Floridians with developmental disabilities. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org.