Public service wants you!

By Jon Mandrell

We have a real crisis – and we need you! One that impacts the Sauk Valley and far beyond. Teachers. Police officers. Healthcare workers. Firefighters. EMT’s. Postal service employees. These are just a handful of the professions that you likely thought of when you first glanced at the headline. The list goes on and on. Public service is the lifeblood of our communities. These selfless servants make the Sauk Valley a greater place each day. Currently, we’re experiencing an alarming shortage in these fields and it’s time to rebuild and respond. And just what does this mean for you? An exciting and fulfilling career, most of which will consist of days serving others and few days alike.

As a student at Sauk back in the 1990’s, I was challenged to give back to the community. Like many of us, I was undecided and even stressed at times over the uncertainty. Then, someone asked me, “How do you want to help the world?” The answer was simple for me – people. I wanted to help people. I then spent a semester checking out several careers, including sitting in classrooms with educators, working in the Sauk Childcare, attending healthcare events, and even riding along with police officers. It was then that I found my place – law enforcement. Why law enforcement? It provided me with an opportunity to help people, offered a wide variety of work, and was simply exciting. Even the most minor of police duties, such as unlocking a community member’s car door after that helpless feeling we have all experienced, is a great deed done for others.

Later, my service in law enforcement ultimately led me back to Sauk for the next chapter of public service– teaching. My point is, public service leads to a lot of relationships and opens new doors. I might also add that these careers provide tremendous benefits and a nice salary.

Not interested in a career in public service, but want to give back to your community? Well, there’s an equal need to serve on community boards, civic organizations, and endless volunteer opportunities to pay it forward to your community. Answer the call today!