Parents tend to want their children to follow their career paths or even attend the college that they went to. For junior Zachary Wintle, he wants to follow his father’s legacy. Last year, on Valentine’s Day, K9 Deputy Wintle died due to sudden sickness.
“There are two things that inspired me to do this, one being my grandpa and my dad being deputies for Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO),” Wintle said. “And the second thing that inspires me is the recent violence and the war between police and the community and the change that needs to happen with that.”
Now, Wintle is working with officers his dad worked with every day. He is constantly trying to do any work he can with them. Wintle has done ride alongs and taken specialized classes to learn officer techniques and life-saving skills.
“As of right now, I have gone on two ride alongs with DCSO and in the Explorers Program through DCSO,” Wintle said. “As well as taking classes up at 88 Tactical that involve skills that could be life-saving.”
Wintle is grateful and lucky to have been given these opportunities, it makes it easier for him to reach his goals. As well as it helps him get a feel about what the field is truly like.
“The top three departments I would like to work in is either DCSO, a police department down in Florida, or in El Paso (Texas).” Wintle said. “While in these departments, the end goal is to go K9 Unit and if that doesn’t have an opening, the plan is to get on a Gang Unit and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team.”
Wintle is now hoping to keep working towards this. He wants to go to the military before going to work in the field.
“ My family and friends are excited because they know this is what I am meant to do.” Wintle said. “However, they are super nervous for me to go into the military and then to go into law enforcement because of the increase of dangers on the job. The college I am planning on attending will be either South Dakota State University (SDSU) or Texas Christian University (TCU).”
Wintle maintains high grades and hopes to go to college out of state. Then work in a department of police. He works hard to honor his father’s memory.