She waited 20 years to join Warner Robins PD. Now she and her K9 Pepsi are inseparable.

Officer Kimberly Houck is proof positive that it is never too late to follow your dreams and make a positive impact on your community. She and her trusty K9, Pepsi, are a dynamic duo at the Warner Robins Police Department. 

She has been in the patrol division from the start and is also a field training officer. However, her favorite promotion was her most recent when she was paired with Pepsi.

“She is the best dog in the K9 group, but I think we’re all partial to our partners,” she said.

Each day on patrol is a new opportunity.

“Every day is a new day. There’s always something new, always learning and growing,” she said.

From a young age, Houck was always the peacekeeper in her family, a natural fit as the middle child of three. 

Police work was in her sights, but as a young single mother, she didn’t have the resources at the time. Instead, she worked for a civil law firm in Macon. Once her children were older, she decided to pursue her career in law enforcement.

Houck has been with the department since November 2019; after her hiring, she went to mandate in January 2020. Although she had a later start, she didn’t let her age stop her from chasing her goals.

“If I could do it at 40, anybody can do it. I like to take that as a learning experience not to give up on the dream that you have. Go until you achieve it. … It took me four times to pass [the physical agility test,] but I came back every time because this is what I wanted to do,” she said.

Houck admits working with Pepsi is her favorite job within the department. She describes her as a joy and a calming presence during the stress of police work.

“It’s the best just to know she is there. It’s comforting. If I’m having a bad day, all I have to do is take her out, throw her ball, talk to her, do a little work with her. It makes that [bad day] go away. It centers you and brings you back to yourself,” she said.

Houck’s day starts with Pepsi, where she gives her attention before they go into work. Then, they proactively patrol the streets and answer various calls. 

Pepsi provides pep and the unpredictable nature of police work provides perspective.

“Everything’s different. Nothing is ever going to be the same. Even if you go to the same house a dozen times, there’s always going to be something different, something new, and something you can learn and grow from,” she said.

That mindset contributed to her growth as a patrol officer, especially in her working style and interpersonal skills. Houck always strives for self-improvement and enjoys working with her second family at the department.

“It’s very family oriented, family first. Everybody that you work with becomes your family as well,” she said. “We all work so closely together … from admin, to the chief down, everybody is very supportive and encouraging. If you want to do something, they’re going to help you do that.”

With a heart for people, Houck said her main focus is positivity for everyone she comes in contact with. She strives to do what Pepsi does for her.

“We’re there for a reason and it’s not my job to beat anybody down, bad guy or not. We’re there to do what we can to help, and I try to live that. I’m a helper. I’m a peacekeeper. I’m a servant. That’s what I want people to be able to see through me. I’m not there to bring anybody down, I’m going to lift everybody up as much as I can,” she said.

Police Chief Wayne Fisher agrees, saying she is incredibly caring and committed to the well-being of her coworkers and the community. He said her working at the department is a privilege and they’re excited to see her continue to grow.

“Kim’s done a fantastic job, not only in her professional but in her personal life, keeping things in balance, and she’s truly a positive role model for those who are coming into law enforcement and those who have been here for an extended period of time. She’s an inspiration to us. This is the legacy for the generations coming up behind us that will be running the department in the future,” he said.

Houck’s secret to balance? Finding a way to keep work and home stresses separate. She has found success in reading, working out, and, of course, hanging out with Pepsi.

“Take a deep breath and center yourself, whether you’re going home or coming into work, “she said. “Whether it’s reading, therapy, running, exercising, [find] something that helps you center yourself and leave the stressors of each where they are.”