Name: Deborah Young.

Age: 48.

Job Title/Department: Patrol shift lieutenant.

Years as an officer? 19 years.

Why did you choose to become an officer?

It started off of a dare by other officers and detectives who did not think I could pass the physical exam. I trained with the help of a detective, took the test and passed.

Do you have any family members in the field?

Yes, my cousin, Bettie Johnson-Cabbil is an officer with the Detroit Police Department in Detroit, Michigan. 

What has been your most gratifying experience as an officer?

Making good on a promise I made to a child victim of a sexual assault. (I said) that I wouldn’t stop until the suspect was caught. (I remember) seeing the smile on her face and on the face of her mother once the suspect was brought to justice.

Would you encourage one of your children to pursue a career as an officer?

Only if he or she really wanted to pursue a law enforcement career. There are certain types of people cut out for this career and, like any other job, it’s not for everyone.  

What would you have done if you had not become an officer?

I probably would have still been working as a secretary in the Juvenile Division of the Meridian Police Department.

When not working, what are your interests?

Spending time with my family.

Tell us something about you people would be surprised to learn?

I love horror movies, especially the old vampire movies.