SHALIMAR — The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Youth Services Division was fortunate to get Deputy Danny Dean in 2013. He transferred into the unit as OSCO Sheriff Larry Ashley expanded the School Resource Office program to include all elementary schools. A year later he transferred to Shoal River Middle School, home of the Mustangs.
For his work, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office presented him with the 2016 Student Resource Officer of the Year award.
During the 2015-2016 school year, Dean investigated over 150 criminal complaints that occurred on his campus or involved his students. Those investigations included, but are not limited to Baker Acts, disturbances, harassment, threats, criminal mischief, trespassing, narcotics, child abuse, and thefts.
Dean investigated each of those complaints as if the victim(s) were his own children. Many times, before or after school, Dean would assist or take over an investigation involving his students. Dean handles each case with the student’s best interest in mind.
One thing that has always stood out with Deputy Dean is his caring demeanor. He deals with the students using compassion and understanding, making a huge impact on the lives of those students each and every day. But it’s not just the students, it’s the community that benefits from his service. He has been known to purchase pizza and other items for the kids out of his own pocket because he cares.
Dean is the epitome of the SRO, according to an OSCO media release. "He rarely, if ever misses work and he gives it 110 percent each and every day and needs little supervision. He never complains and is a true professional in all aspects of his life. He has built a positive rapport with the students, staff, parents, and community," the release stated.
"It is evident that Dean displays the many attributes that his parents have instilled in him. He has the discipline, the structure, the mental fortitude, the caring demeanor, the patience, the appearance, and the can-do attitude that makes Deputy Dean a model for all SRO’s to aspire to," the release stated.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Shoal River resource officer earns award