Janesville Police Department is helping the local community through policing and by coaching the local football team.

Officer Nate Heffner made his debut with the Wisconsin department back in 2016 as its first first African American officer police officer. Now, he is helping coach a Black River Falls secondary football team.

Heffner is especially regarded for his high energy and enthusiasm on the field.

“Just trying to give them any tips of advice that I can from my experience, things that I’ve picked up while coaching to help them be better players and become better men,” Heffner said.

Back when Heffner joined the police, it made quite a stir in the community.

“I’m glad to see that progress has been made, but we still have a long ways to go,” Janesville city council president Sam Liebert said at the time.

Beyond protecting and serving the community as a police officer, Heffner decided to help his local community in Black River Falls with another interest of his – football. His team loves him for it.

“He’s a great person to reach out to, talk to about anything. We mess with him a bit about being a cop, But he’s a great guy,” quarterback Evan Voss said.

Heffner wanted to show that cops are just like everyone else.

“We’re human, we wear the uniform but we feel just like you, we have hobbies just like you, and it’s important for the youth to know that,” he said.