COLUMBUS - Do you have what it takes to protect and serve?

The Columbus Police Department wants to see for itself. It's taking applications from anyone who wants to join team blue.

CPD said it takes around nine months from the time of applying to being sworn in. In between, applicants must go through fitness testing, written and medical exams, background checks, the academy and, finally, the field training program.

It doesn't end there. The department said it takes around a year of experience to get a new officer up to speed.

Thirty-two-year-old Brittany White said her academy starts in January, where she'll prepare to serve the community she loves.

"It’s bigger than Auburn, but it’s not like Omaha, like the big city," White said. "I get the feel of the small town -- as in everybody kind of knows each other -- but it’s got all the shopping places, lots of good schools that I love for my kids.”

Joining her at the academy will be 24-year-old Tanner Dreifurst. He said he lived in Omaha for the past few years, but that he wants to start a law enforcement career in a smaller town like Columbus.

Dreifurst said the police have already instilled their mentality in him on how to handle such a dangerous job.

“They’ve been kind of getting in my head," he said. "Like, 'Don’t get into a routine and don’t get complacent when going on certain calls. Even traffic stops.'”

Dreifurst said anyone interested in following his and White's footsteps should just give it a shot.

To apply to become a Columbus police officer, visit: https://columbusne.us/340/Testing-Selection.