BAY MINETTE — Though he's still new to the Bay Minette Police Department, Officer Michael Sanderson has already proven to be an outstanding officer and has been named Officer of the Month for January.

Sanderson joined the force a year ago, following three years in the military police with the U.S. Army.

The 23-year-old Pensacola native said he couldn't really help going into law enforcement, having grown up around it.

"My father is a retired captain from the Escambia County Sheriff's Office, my mother is a U.S. Marshall and my step-dad is a sergeant with the Escambia County Sheriff's Office," he said.

Additionally, he said one uncle is a lieutenant colonel with the Florida Department of Transportation, one is a lieutenant with the ECSO, one is a retired sergeant from the ECSO, one is a sergeant with the ECSO and a cousin is an officer with the Florida Department of Transportation.

"I was raised up around law enforcement, and it's something I've always wanted to do," he said. "I also want to help make the community a safer place to live."

So after graduating from Tate High School in Cantonment, Fla., Sanderson joined the military and entered the military police force.

Sanderson said what he enjoys most about police work is helping people and taking drugs and drunks off the road, however there are challenges to the job, he said.

"The unknown or not knowing what I'll be faced with on a daily basis," he said.

But, he said that will not stop him from doing his job to the best of his ability.

"While I'm on duty I'm dedicating myself 100 percent to ensure the safety of the community," he said.

Sanderson said he hopes to work his way up the ranks, and some day continue his police work in a supervisory position.

Until then, his advice to those coming up behind him?

"There's going to be good times and bad times,” he said. “Enjoy the good times and keep your head up and stay strong through the bad times."

The rookie said his most memorable experience so far has been receiving the honor of officer of the month.