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Video: Officer dances through stage fright to connect with students

“I was [initially] very reluctant because I’m petrified of crowds and attention”

By Police1 Staff

BILLINGS, Mont. — School resource Officer Mitch Hillier overcame his massive stage fright to connect with the students he works with through dance.

Hillier, 52, told Inside Edition the dance team coach asked him at the beginning of the school year to dance with the team.

“I was [initially] very reluctant because I’m petrified of crowds and attention,” Hillier said.

https://www.facebook.com/BeckyHillierTV/videos/1684708951828352/

After practicing for a week, he surprised the auditorium when he joined the dance team during a recent basketball game.

“There was a lot of bewilderment when I walked out, but then the kids in the stands started hollering and screaming and it made everything worthwhile,” Hillier said.

He told Inside Edition he was glad the video could show officers in a positive way.

“It’s just been kind of amazing and I’m glad because it lets people see the lighter side of police officers,” Hillier said.