Prentiss County Deputies Talk Careers With Wheeler Students

Two Prentiss County deputies traded their patrol routes for a classroom this week, visiting students at Wheeler School to talk about careers in law enforcement and show off some of the gear and technology they use every day. Deputy Brandon Slack and Deputy Ridge Lawson, both former school resource officers at Wheeler, met with students in the school’s College and Career Readiness (CCR) program on Tuesday, Nov. 3, according to a post shared Wednesday on the Prentiss County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page.

The post, which credits the Three Rivers Career Coaches program, described the visit as an inside look at what a typical day in law enforcement involves.

Prentiss County Deputies Share Their Career Paths

A big part of the talk focused on how both deputies ended up wearing a badge, and how neither took a straight line to get there.

• Deputy Brandon Slack talked about his background in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and how the skills he built as a medic still play an important role in his law enforcement work.
• Deputy Ridge Lawson told students he spent several years as a truck driver before moving into law enforcement.

The message to students, according to the post, was that career paths don’t always follow a straight line, and that skills learned in one job can open doors in another.

Hands-On Gear and a Drone Demonstration

Students also got a closer look at equipment deputies use in the field. Photos from the visit show items laid out on a classroom table, including a protective helmet, a ballistic shield, a baton, and a handheld metal detector.

The highlight, the post said, was a drone demonstration. Students were especially engaged as they saw how drones and other technology are used in modern law enforcement. Sheriff’s offices across Mississippi now regularly use drones for searches, crash scenes, and other calls where an aerial view helps.

Part of a Wider Career Exploration Push

The visit was organized through the career coaching program serving Wheeler School and the Prentiss County School District. Career coaches work with middle and high school students to connect classroom learning with real jobs through guest speakers, job-site visits, and career fairs.

The post thanked both deputies for sharing their time, knowledge, and experiences, saying the visit “sparked curiosity, excitement, and some great conversations about future careers.”

For the sheriff’s department, it was also a return to familiar ground. Both Slack and Lawson previously served as school resource officers at Wheeler, and the department has made school and community outreach a regular part of its work. Slack was also seen at a Hills Chapel trunk-or-treat event in late October.

Students or parents interested in law enforcement careers can contact the Prentiss County Sheriff’s Department in Booneville or talk with their school’s career coach.

Related: Prentiss County Schools Earn Fifth Straight A Rating | Prentiss County Vandalism: Trash Fires Set Near Homes

Source: Prentiss County Sheriff’s Department (Facebook)