Walking The Beat with Deputy Gabe

Since I started working at STEM, I have always said that this has been the best assignment I ever had. I have been here at STEM for six and a half years. During my time here I have experienced a lot of different things. I have received hugs and love from parents, students, and staff members. I have also been yelled at by some parents and even students. My commitment to each of you has never changed throughout the years. Even during some of the most difficult times for me at STEM, my focus was always you.

I want to think that I have helped STEM in many ways. Please know that when I say STEM I am referring to everyone that has anything to do with STEM. I want to think that during my last six and a half years here I have done good things for our students. Believe me, our students have done great things for me. The support I received every day by each one of you has been amazing.

I came to STEM during one of STEM’s most difficult times. STEM was placed in a position that nobody should be placed in. Tragedy hit our hallways. It left some trauma and scars that took time to heal. My mission was always to help STEM heal those scars and wounds, and to move forward leaving fear behind. I always told our students (and some staff members) that we should never let fear dictate our actions. We are in control of our actions. We control our fears. Being afraid is not always bad, as long as we understand that fear has no room in our decision making. When we fall, we get up again. It is not the mistakes we make along the way that set the path we walk on, it is what we do after we fall that set that path in front of us.

Today I am sharing with you that I will not continue my duties as the School Resource Officer at STEM. For the last several months I have been considering a change of pace. I have been interested in becoming a Detective with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. After several months considering it, thinking about it, preparing for it and praying about it, I decided to take the test. I was recently told that I am moving to the Investigations Division as a Detective. I am extremely happy about this new challenge in front of me, but I am very sad that I will no longer be at STEM with each one of you. Please show the same love and support to the deputy that will be chosen to replace me. I am sure my supervisors will make a good decision and will bring someone that will serve STEM as good or better than me.

Please know that I am honored to have spent the last six and a half years of my career as a law enforcement officer at STEM. I am bringing with me so many amazing memories and experiences. Thank you for trusting me with your students. Thank you for everything! I hope I can always be considered a SPARTAN! If you want to stay in touch, please feel free to email me at juribe@dcsheriff.net. Hug your children on my behalf, and please tell them they mean the world to me.

Blessings…

Deputy Gabe