Rick Gunn/Nevada Appeal New Carson City School cop and Carson City deputy Dean Williams stands next to the Carson City High School sign Friday.
At 27 years old, Dean Williams found himself at a crossroads in life.
"I thought, 'Holy cow, I've got to find something I like doing,'" he remembered.
It wasn't as if he hadn't prepared for his future. After high school, he joined the Army and became a German-language specialist while stationed in Germany, where he met his wife.
He later graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with dual degrees in business administration and German studies.
But he found he was bored by business. So he set out to find a new career.
"I like interacting with people and moving around," he explained. "I either wanted to be a cop or a teacher."
Now 35, he has the opportunity to combine both passions.
A deputy with the Carson City Sheriff's Office for seven years, Williams recently accepted the assignment to become the new officer stationed at Carson High School.
"It will take some getting used to, but I'm ready for the challenge," he said. "It's important to have someone there to keep them safe. It's important that they know we're involved and that we care."
A grant from the Sheriff's Office combined with funds from the school district, two deputies are assigned to patrol the schools.
Deputy Bill Rosario will be in charge of the elementary and middle schools, while Williams will take the high school.
Along with the typical tasks related to law enforcement, school deputies face additional obstacles, including dealing with parents and administrators.
"On the street, I'm just dealing with the person, either the suspect or the victim," he said. "There will have to be a lot more communicating here. You have to make sure everybody knows what's going on."
He said he will focus on a wide range of issues such as truancy, gang activity, drugs, violence, trespassers, and traffic problems on and around campus.
Although he anticipates building a positive relationship with the students, he said it is not a popularity contest. He will be strict.
"Even though they may look like adults, they're just kids," he said. "These are your kids. These are my kids. That's how I'm going to treat it."
In addition to patrolling the schools, Williams will also be involved in education as the officer in charge of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, which will be reinstated in Carson City schools this year.
He will spend a large portion of his time in the classroom with younger children.
Being the father of two children, 5 and 3, has helped him prepare for his new responsibilities.
"Having kids definitely helps you look at things differently and look at child development differently," he said. "The things you see as a cop also change you. I do have my bitter side, but I'm basically a positive person."
And a grateful person.
"I'm so glad I found this job," he said. "I can't think of anything I'd rather do."
Contact Teri Vance at tvance@nevadaappeal.com or at 881-1272.
