Among the new deputies at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office is Steven Rogers. He’s been on the job for just a couple of years.
After 14 years in the United States Army, the switch to law enforcement has been a natural transition.
“We take pride in what we do. People look up to us," Rogers told Gulf Coast News. “It means a lot. I get to give back to the community.”
Not only does he get to give back to the community – he gets to protect it. It’s a mindset he’s maintained ever since the military.
“I felt like I should protect those that can't protect themselves,” Rogers said. “Not to mention, every criminal that I take off the street makes Lee County a little bit better.”
His first couple of years on the job have gone as well as can be expected. He’s now become one of five finalists for Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in Lee County.
For Rogers, the value of the badge is not about the awards he wins.
It’s about people he protects and the lives he saves.
“Yes, I've been nominated for Officer of the Year. That's amazing. But my reward comes from every life that I can save. Everybody that I can help out. That is where the real reward sits,” Rogers said. “It's not in what we earn as medals; it's who did I just leave an impression on.”