Brittney Kilfeather likes a good challenge.

As a social worker for the state of Connecticut, it almost couldn’t be otherwise. Tasked with finding permanent homes for some of her community’s most vulnerable children, her job is challenging on every level: emotionally, intellectually and logistically.

But the difficult aspects of her job bring out the determination and passion that make her successful at what she does.

Forget the stereotype of the sly, hard-bitten TV detective. Yes, Middletown, Connecticut, Detective Karli Travis is tough and smart, but her job is as much about lifting people up as it about taking down bad guys.

Travis came to the Middletown Police Department eight years ago with a degree in mental health counseling and psychology.

Every day, police officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public. Their sacrifices often go unnoticed and unappreciated despite their heroic efforts to keep us all safe.

Traffic Investigator Andrew Orum is one of these officers. While he’s on duty, his highest priority is to be of service to his community.

“I love helping people,” he explained. “My role is to be a part of the community as much as it is to serve the community.”