For Hinsdale police officer Michael Coughlin, there is no such thing as a typical work day.

Some days are dedicated to teaching a defensive driver’s course to the high schoolers, while others are spent at the local preschools or middle schools encouraging students to make smart decisions. For 10 years, Coughlin has passionately worked with the youth in Hinsdale, and while he may not always be able to be their best friend, he continues to lead them in the right direction.

“For the most part, they’re like a deer in headlights, listening to your experiences and hanging on every word,” Coughlin said. “You can see that you’ve had an impact on them, and knowing that I can change a person’s life ... it’s very fulfilling.”

At the annual awards banquet Sept. 24, the DuPage Juvenile Officers’ Association presented Coughlin with the juvenile officer of the year award. Coughlin said it was like a surprise birthday party, and he had no idea he was being presented with the award until Deputy Police Chief Mark Wodka started talking about him.

Wodka nominated Coughlin because he said he not only does an excellent job in meeting all of the demands of the organization, but he goes “above and beyond” what his job is for the police department to do well serving the community.

“He gives 110 percent of himself, and he recognizes that the greater reward comes from the community rather than his supervisors at the police department,” Wodka said.

Coughlin said he hopes to demonstrate to the younger officers the importance of establishing friendships with the children. He said when he used to cross the students at the high school, he would strike up conversations with them and could tell you a little bit about each one who walked by.

As for the children, Coughlin encourages them to listen to their parents as they’re trying to help them make the right choices and decisions. And while it’s sometimes difficult to be the “bad guy” when the youth get in trouble, Coughlin’s main concern will always be to make sure they don’t end up in juvenile detention as he strives to put them back on the right track.