MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, S.C. -- Parris Island will host a distinguished guest Wednesday when the chief of police for Columbia, S.C., the state’s capital, attends the job fair as a vendor, April 27.
Chief Randy Scott is the top official in the chain of command of the second largest police department in the state.
During the visit, Scott will act as a recruiter and observer while taking in the unique sights the depot has to offer. He also plans to speak with the Marines and sailors interested in heading into a career with the Columbia Police Department.
Scott, a veteran Marine himself, said the transition from the military to law enforcement was a fairly easy one.
“With all the training in weapons and physical fitness, I was well prepared for the undertaking of the law enforcement career.”
Police departments actively seek Marines to fill their ranks because of their qualifications, explained Kevin Dugan, programs assistant for the career resource management center.
“There are a lot of things they have to offer. They have leadership skills, they’re usually in shape already and they’ll know how to keep up their uniforms. They’re already ahead of their civilian counterparts.” Dugan said. Of course, these qualities can be a benefit to any field in the public or private job sector.
The job fair will have 23 education institutions and 37 employers. It is open to active-duty service members, military family members, retirees and veterans, and it usually draws a crowd of about 300 attendees.
“A lot of people are opting to go to college when they get out, and the education vendors are doing a great job with that,” Dugan explained. “The employers are also people who are looking to hire.”
For service members planning to exit the service, Scott offers his advice of having a good, solid plan.
“Put a lot of thought into what you want to do in life - not just in the near future but long term,” Scott said. “Then set mid-term and long-term goals and work toward those goals.”
Scott said his success came from what he learned while serving up to the rank of corporal in the Marine Corps. He said Marines learn how to lead from the front.
“Lead by example is how I live my life,” he said. “I would not ask any of my fellow officers to do something I cannot do myself.
“I must carry myself and treat others as they would want to be treated and I expect that of all who work at the Columbia Police Department to do the same.”
For more information about the job fair, call Kevin Dugan at 228-2761.
Date Taken: | 04.21.2011 |
Date Posted: | 04.21.2011 10:58 |
Story ID: | 69102 |
Location: | PARRIS ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
Web Views: | 103 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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