Celebrating Officer Nelly Badua: A Beacon in Blue
Durham, folks! Grab your nachos and hold onto your sombreros, because during Hispanic Heritage Month, the Durham Police Department is shining a spotlight on a real gem — Officer Nelly Badua!
Born in the vibrant town of Santa Clara, Durango, Mexico, our girl Nelly moved stateside at the tender age of five, leading the classic U.S. immigrant experience tour through Texas and Florida before finally settling down in Durham. And let me tell you, there’s no greater love story than that of an immigrant family and their complicated relationship with English!
The “Call” to Help Others
Now, it’s not all sunshine and tacos, as Officer Badua recalls her early days with a hint of nostalgia and a sprinkle of exasperation. “There was often a disconnect between officers and the Hispanic community,” she says, probably while rolling her eyes. But instead of sulking in her sorrows, she decided to flip the script, leading to her epiphany — a career in law enforcement!
Although initially dreaming of a scrubs-clad career in nursing or a salute-worthy stint in the military, fate had other plans. In 2011, she answered the call, or rather, a recruiter from the Durham Police Department did — “Hey you! Interested in swinging a badge?” And the rest, as they say, is history.
Since jumping into the police force in January 2011, Badua has manned several key positions, from the domestic violence unit to the special victims unit. That’s right, folks, she’s not just in it for the donuts; she’s out there tackling some of the toughest issues in our communities!
Nelly Badua and the Hispanic Community
Thanks to her impeccable Spanish skills — and probably a few English mishaps along the way — Officer Badua has become a bridge-builder in the Hispanic community. “Being able to communicate with Hispanic members of the community has a great impact,” she states. And you better believe she’s right. If only my Spanglish had half her eloquence!
But wait, there’s more! Nelly isn’t just a badge-wielding law enforcer; she’s a role model too! She hopes to inspire not just women but the youth in her community, making them think, “If she can do it, why can’t I?” And let’s be honest, if you can wear that uniform with style while making a difference, you’re basically a superhero in my book!
“I’m very happy to be in a position where I can have a positive impact, especially on the younger generation and women,” she beams. And good on her! Because in a world full of trolls under bridges, we could all use a little more inspiration — and Officer Badua is just that! So remember, kids, next time you see a police officer, think not just about the badge — think about the community passion behind it!
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Durham.- During Hispanic Heritage Month, the Durham Police Department highlighted the work of Officer Nelly Badua.
Born in Santa Clara, Durango, Mexico, Senior Patrol Officer Nelly Badua has built a distinguished career in the police agency.
At the age of five, his family emigrated to the United States, where they lived in several states such as Texas and Florida before settling in Durham.
According to the police, it was in the classrooms where she learned English, facing the challenges of cultural and linguistic adaptation from a young age.
The “call” to help others
From a young age, Badua felt a calling to help others, despite initially not having a good relationship with police officers due to the language barrier.
“There was often a disconnect between officers and the Hispanic community,” Badua recalls.
This experience prompted her to consider a career where she could make a difference in her community. Although she initially explored nursing and military service, she ultimately decided to join law enforcement.
In 2011, a recruiter with the Durham Police Department offered him the opportunity to pursue this path.
The Police Department revealed that, since joining the police department in January of that year, “Badua has played several crucial roles, including working in the domestic violence unit and the special victims unit.”
Currently, he is part of Squad 5 B, responding to emergency calls and patrolling District 5.
Nelly Badua and the Hispanic community
Mastery of Spanish has allowed Badua to build bridges with the Hispanic community.
“Being able to communicate with Hispanic members of the community has a great impact,” he says. Its ability to understand and address the needs of this population has given it a vital role in the community fabric.
In addition to her work as an officer, Badua hopes to be a role model for women and youth, especially within the Hispanic community.
“I’m very happy to be in a position where I can have a positive impact,” he says.
Badua hopes she can be a role model for women and youth in the community.
“I am very happy to be in a position where I can have a positive impact, especially on the younger generation and women,” says Badua.
“When they see me, they think, ‘Oh, if she’s a police officer, then I feel like I can be one too.’ I try to encourage them to do something positive just to give back to the community.”
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