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Why did you decide to get involved with public safety?
Growing up I had a tremendous amount of respect for police due to my experiences with Henry County deputies. I would go and help my dad on tow jobs (Morreys). I would see how these guys carrid themselves and really looked at them as larger than life. Just a ton of respect for them. I really love to help people and can’t believe I am now one of those people I used to idolize.
Who inspired you and how?
My dad. I saw the way he treated everyone as he would want to be treated, regardless of who they were. He has to be the most well-liked person I know and I have nothing but love and respect for him.
What are the greatest challenges in your field?
Having people understand that you have a job to do. I think it’s important when I have to take enforcement action (ticket, arrest, etc.) that I’m not doing it to be mean or “meet a quota” (which I do not have). My genuine concern is the safety of the public.
What advice can you offer for someone who wants to go into public safety?
It is great, but it’s not for everyone. With law enforcement you are not going to work good hours. Family and social life suffers from it but if you truly enjoy it, the positives outweigh the negatives.
What’s something about your line of work that most people don’t know?
I guess the thing that I hear a lot is how much ground we have to cover with a minimal amount of staffing. People are very surprised when I tell them that only myself and one other deputy are working on a given night.
What is a memorable moment in your career and why?
One thing that sticks out is there was a little boy who was only two or three years old who ran away from his house. I walked to a creek/wooded area near his house. The family had checked the area once. I checked it again and rather than yelling his name I stopped and listened. I heard a branch crack and looked over and saw the boy standing 20 feet from me. I said “Hi” to him and he ran over to me and grabbed me. I carried him back to his mom. That was rewarding to me.
Why did you decide to get involved with public safety?
Growing up I had a tremendous amount of respect for police due to my experiences with Henry County deputies. I would go and help my dad on tow jobs (Morreys). I would see how these guys carrid themselves and really looked at them as larger than life. Just a ton of respect for them. I really love to help people and can’t believe I am now one of those people I used to idolize.
Who inspired you and how?
My dad. I saw the way he treated everyone as he would want to be treated, regardless of who they were. He has to be the most well-liked person I know and I have nothing but love and respect for him.
What are the greatest challenges in your field?
Having people understand that you have a job to do. I think it’s important when I have to take enforcement action (ticket, arrest, etc.) that I’m not doing it to be mean or “meet a quota” (which I do not have). My genuine concern is the safety of the public.
What advice can you offer for someone who wants to go into public safety?
It is great, but it’s not for everyone. With law enforcement you are not going to work good hours. Family and social life suffers from it but if you truly enjoy it, the positives outweigh the negatives.
What’s something about your line of work that most people don’t know?
I guess the thing that I hear a lot is how much ground we have to cover with a minimal amount of staffing. People are very surprised when I tell them that only myself and one other deputy are working on a given night.
What is a memorable moment in your career and why?
One thing that sticks out is there was a little boy who was only two or three years old who ran away from his house. I walked to a creek/wooded area near his house. The family had checked the area once. I checked it again and rather than yelling his name I stopped and listened. I heard a branch crack and looked over and saw the boy standing 20 feet from me. I said “Hi” to him and he ran over to me and grabbed me. I carried him back to his mom. That was rewarding to me.
PERSONNEL FILE
Age 34
Position Patrol Deputy, Henry County Sheriff’s Office
Hometown Cambridge
Education and experience Graduated Cambridge High School; Associates Degree in Law Enforcement from Black Hawk; Bachelor's Degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration from Western Illinois University.
Family Married to Angela, one child Mason (boy). Parents Marv and Mary Verscheure of Cambridge, sister Kathy Johnson of Cambridge and brother Matt Verscheure of San Francisco, California.
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