[ad_1]
Sarah approaches work much like her recent life change – with an open mind, a helpful outlook and consideration.
Connecting a citizen with the relevant county offices. Processing record requests. Processing report documents. Sarah is usually the first person you see when you walk into the police lobby.
“You have to have the ability to talk to all kinds of people and keep a calm demeanor,” she said. “I can have three people waiting in the lobby. One needs fingerprints. One needs a report. One has a question.
Two internships — one with a local sexual assault organization and another with the Lenexa Police Department — helped Sarah become more comfortable with society and handling situations.
“I was taking crisis line calls twice a week, which was completely out of my comfort zone,” she said. “I’m not very outgoing – I don’t put myself in those awkward situations – but it’s really helped me, especially doing what I’m doing now.”
When she completed her three-month internship as a crime analyst with the Lenexa Police Department in 2015, Sarah quickly applied for a public service officer position.
“I knew I wanted a career in law enforcement, I just didn’t know where I would fit in,” she said. “It was evident that the police department supports each officer’s family life as well as professional and personal goals by offering many experiences and training opportunities. I wanted to be a part of that.”
After three years of work, Sarah was ready to become a police officer.
“I signed up for patrol, did the interviews, got the position, went to the academy and graduated,” she said.
But during training, Sarah quickly realized that patrol was not for her.
“Some problems became apparent during the field training,” she said. “I lacked a commanding presence and we did various training sessions to try and work on that, but in the end it just wasn’t for me.”
Sarah was offered her public servant position back and accepted. Relying on her faith became important during this transition period.
“When I reconnected with that part of my life, I was able to kind of go through it and see it not so much as a failure, but as an experience,” she said. “I think my relationship with God and knowing who I am made me realize that my worth is not what I can achieve in my job or in my career. It’s about who I am in Christ and my family, and just my life’s accomplishments.”
“I want to walk in love with everybody,” she said. “I want to be that guy who, when I come to work, I don’t screw it up. I will rise up and walk in love and encourage people, which for me comes from my faith.”
Sarah is not the only civilian employee working in the department who has applied for or been transferred to another position at the station. There are many job opportunities, and she encourages those seeking a career in law enforcement to start in any position.
“The position of public servant is vital to the day-to-day operations of the police department,” she said. “We do a lot of paperwork and clerical work, but we also take reports, interview people, investigate certain crimes and help the public in other ways. There’s always something interesting going on.”
Regardless of her path with her law enforcement career, Sara is proud to wear the Lenexa Police Department badge and be a part of the family.
“People see me now and don’t think I’m shy, but before this job and the police academy I definitely was.” My colleagues are like family and close friends. During a shift, sometimes you’re with them more than your own family.”
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys painting, playing soccer with her kids, and achieving personal bests in fitness and weightlifting. She recently completed an Olympic weightlifting training program that she uses to coach colleagues.
Are you ready for your next career move? In the City of Lenexa, you will be trained, supported and valued. Build your future with us and use your talents to grow and succeed as a member of our team. Learn about current job opportunities at Lenexa.com/Jobs.
[ad_2]
Source link