Travis County STAR Flight Paramedic Stephen Maier, front right, and Pilot Chuck Spangler crew members engaged Hays County Sheriff’s Office junior deputies in how the helicopter operates and some of the cool gadgets and equipment the crew uses. The junior deputies spent three days learning more about what law enforcement officers do and how they interact with other emergency personnel. (Photo by Kim Hilsenbeck)
by KIM HILSENBECK
The newest batch of law enforcement officers in Hays County are young – in fact, they can’t even drive or vote. But don’t worry, they’re not carrying guns just yet.
Nearly 40 kids from Kyle and Buda became junior deputies with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office last week during the annual Junior Deputy Academy. During the three-day camp, boys and girls age 8-10 interacted with the Sheriff’s deputies who introduced the junior campers to various aspects of the agency.
The kids met patrol officers, detectives and SWAT team members as well as fire and emergency personnel.
“We try to show them how all of our emergency services work together in a coordinated fashion,” said Jeff Jordon, Hays County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson.
The junior deputies toured a San Marcos fire station and explored a Travis County Star Flight helicopter. In the process, they talked to firefighters and the flight crew, learning about their operations, safety protocols and equipment.
Ten-year-old P.J. Delgado of Buda said the academy was really cool.
“I will tell my cousin about this,” P.J. said. “He likes to do what I do.”
Matthew Vargas, 10, of Kyle, said the Star Flight helicopter was cool, too.
“I liked watching it land. And the pilot showed us all the stuff inside,” Matthew said.
The program is in its 14th year. Sheriff Gary Cutler, who met the campers during the academy, said the kids get to meet real peace officers and make friends with positive role models in the community.
“This is a really important program for kids,” Cutler said. “It shows them that law enforcement officers are not your enemy.”
