Most don’t think of police officers when they hear about tattoos and Harley-Davidsons.

In Sedona, however, many might think of Sedona police officer Bill Hunt.

Hunt, a six-year veteran with the Sedona Police Department, is a patrolman in Sedona. His primary duty is that of motorcycle officer for the city. As a “motor,” Hunt deals with traffic-related issues, from accidents and citations to assisting drivers on the road.

“My biggest focus is to reduce the amount of accidents and to educate the public on certain laws that we need to adhere to in the community,” Hunt said.

He’s also got more ink than most would associate with a police officer. His tattoos, he said, were a result of his younger years spent in New York. In Sedona, he said, the body art is appreciated by a number of area residents and can serve as an icebreaker in certain instances. Unlike most in law enforcement, Hunt did not enter the field until he was 42.  

“If you put your mind to it, you focus on it, you do your education and your homework on it, you can do anything that’s out there,” Hunt said.

Hunt rides a 2006 Honda ST1300. The department recently transitioned to the Honda from a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Hondas, he said, have proven to be more economical for the city.

“I enjoy it. It’s a big difference from the Harley-Davidson,” Hunt said. “We had two Harleys, a 2007 and a 2008.”

Besides riding a motorcycle for his job, Hunt also enjoys riding during his off-time. He personally owns two Harley-Davidsons and is currently eyeing a third purchase.

His large stature, complemented with a number of tattoos, can often lead to the misunderstanding that he is a mean person, Hunt said.

“There are folks that portray me as a mean person, that I would write my mother a ticket. That’s completely opposite of the way I am. I have a passion to ride motorcycles. I love motorcycles, but I don’t like issuing citations. Will I? Absolutely,” Hunt said.

Besides his love of motorcycles, Hunt also has a passion for cars. He worked for 15 years as a technician for Chrysler in New York. He’s also assisted in the maintenance program for vehicles in the Sedona Police Department.

“I like to buy and sell cars. I am always buying something or selling something,” Hunt said.

Hunt plans to retire from the Sedona Police Department. After that? He’s got his eyes on the mayor’s seat.

“I put my goals pretty high,” Hunt said.

Cmdr. Ron Wheeler said Hunt has proven to be a strong asset to the department.

“Bill has taken his job as a motor officer very seriously. He’s very dedicated, not only to the enforcement, but to the education aspect of it,” Wheeler said. “He learned a lot of great things from our former motor, officer Carl Waak.”

Wheeler first met Hunt years ago, when Hunt worked for a local towing company.

“He and I started riding Harleys together. He said he thought it would be nice if he could be a police officer, but he didn’t think he could because he was too old, too big, because of his tattoos and, in talking to myself, and former officers, we convinced him to give it a try. It worked out well. He’s landed himself a great future here with our agency,” Wheeler said.

Patrick Whitehurst can be reached at 282-7795, ext. 125, or email pwhitehurst@larsonnewspapers.com