Aug. 5, 2025 9:15p
(WGTD)---Ever since she was 7 years old, Racine native Gabby Hood has wanted to be a cop.
Now three years into her career as a police officer in Racine, Hood says the job is as good as she had hoped. "Every day is a great day. Every day is a day that I can make an impact. "I wouldn't have it any other way," she says.
At a National Night Out event at the Quintanilla Street COP House Tuesday evening, Hood was presented with an award from Voices of Black Mothers United.
As a member of the Racine Department’s Community Oriented Policing unit, Hood is based at the Geneva St. house.
Hood’s assignment allows her to capitalize on her strengths. "I think that anyone who's a cop enjoys people in some way and want to work in the community," Hood said. Asked about her strengths, Hood responded with a short list: "(I) have an empathetic heart, and just try to see the best in people and give them the best life experience that they possibly can."
Off duty, Hood and her partner are raising a teenager and also serve as foster parents.
Well over 100 people watched Hood accept her award on the front steps of the COP house. They were also present for a round of speeches.
With kids playing on a bounce house nearby, Racine Police Chief Alex Ramirez spoke of the significance of National Night Out events. "National Night Out is more than just a gathering," he said. "It's a powerful reminder that when community and law enforcement work hand in hand we create safer and stronger neighborhoods. It's about trust. It's about respect and most importantly it's about relationships."
Some 40 separate Night Out events were held in Racine alone, with many more scattered throughout the tri-county area.
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