Hired by the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office six years ago, Master Deputy Sheriff Keyon Wade worked nights on an Adult Detention Center squad for his first five years. Now he is assigned to the Inmate Programs and Recreation Section.
MDS Wade enjoys his current assignment because he serves as a role model and has been able to build rapport with some of the inmates during their daily recreation time. He gives an example of a particular inmate with whom he initially had a negative interaction. “Our conversations have improved,” explains Wade. “His face looks brighter, and he’s more positive. He has some mental health challenges, but he takes his medication now and is doing very well. The difference from before is like night and day. When I see him, he updates me on his life.”
After high school, Wade attended college but had to leave after a year to pursue employment. He was hired by a private security company and worked in the Fairfax County courthouse. Three years later, after several Sheriff’s deputies encouraged him to apply with the Sheriff’s Office, he did so and has never looked back. “I love it!” he says. “People don’t realize how many opportunities this agency offers.”
He enjoys interacting with the public when working overtime at the courthouse, both inside and out in the surrounding complex. He also takes inmates to and from their court appearances.
Wade became a field training instructor (FTI) four years ago after a supervisor told him he would be a great asset to the program. Wade has been the primary trainer for five new deputies and a secondary trainer for 15 more. For the first couple days they shadow me, and I mix in asking questions and demonstrating. After that, I think seeing me do the job is better for them than hearing me talk about it.”
His advice for those considering a job with the Sheriff’s Office is, “Don’t believe the current stigma attached to law enforcement. Sheriff Kincaid’s command staff do their best to care for you here. You’re not just a number to them.”
Wade says his time here has flown by. “I seize opportunities. Someone here is always willing to teach you. I look forward to what comes next in my career.”
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