When most kids dream of what they want to be when they grow up, a prison guard is not one of the usual answers. Some dream occupations include fireman, chef, princess, but what about the jobs people do not usually plan on?

Rodney Logan became a Police Officer first, then applied to become a prison guard when a corrections company built a prison near to the city where he lived at the time. After high school he went straight into police training, rather than go through criminology or a college course, which he feels he would not gain as much from.

Logan say he went straight into the academy in order to avoid any unnecessary and impractical classes.

“Rather than take a bunch of classes that realistically have nothing to do with actually enforcing the law,”Logan said.”I went straight to the police academy and have since had entirely too much training to possibly list.”

For him, the scariest part of his work is when he encounters an incident where someone is being killed in front of his eyes. People in this line of work see brutal things on a daily basis and over time can become numb to it. The most rewarding part, he says, is the knowledge that he played a part in assuring the most violent criminals do not get on the streets to victimize.

However, his original dream was to become a professional drummer in a nationally known rock band, or ultimately to play for Bob Seger. Rodney still enjoys being able to play the drums when he gets some free time at home, and usually can be expected to play as loud as possible.

For any young people with intentions to go into law enforcement or prison work, Rodney believes a strong, committed relationship with Jesus is important to get through the different challanges officers and prison guards go through daily in their line of work. That, and a strong desire to do the right thing, and keep the bad people off the streets.

My uncle taught me as a child to have morals, values, ethics, integrity, respect, and manners.  He also taught me that a mans handshake meant something, to be true to your word and that the best  deal or agreement is one where both parties benefit. —Rodney Logan 

Student Chloe Soto, ’17, tells her inspiration for pursuing a career in law enforcement, and her recent ride along experience with an officer.

“For many years I have been told that I have natural instincts in the aspect of law enforcement whether its undercover work or detective work,” Soto said.”But right now I am aiming towards being a police officer or sheriff. The ride along was a wonderful way to experience what is expected when going through a dangerous situation.”

Logan says the correct motivation for any law enforcement profession includes a desire to protect defenseless people in the name of justice.

“Be in it for the right reason which is to protect innocent people and not because you think you have something to prove,” Logan says. “A strong dislike for dirt bags that victimize other people, especially those that cannot defend themselves.”

One mentor that made a substantial impact in his life is Logan’s uncle. From his younger days, his uncle taught him the importance of manners, values, and respect.

Logan says his uncle instilled in him proper values which continue to effect his profession to this day.

“My uncle taught me as a child to have morals, values, ethics, integrity, respect, and manners,” Logan said. ” He also taught me that a mans handshake meant something, to be true to your word and that the best  deal or agreement is one where both parties benefit.”

Even though Logan’s original plan did not include becoming a prison guard, he is glad to have gained the opportunity to change lives for the better and protect people. He wants those possibly going into a similar career to know what their motives should be, and the tactics that will aid them in the overall schooling process.

For more information on this topic, read Sheriff Overcomes Career Challenges

This author can be reached via Twitter: @_Elizabethann16 and via email: [email protected]