Sheriff Jayson Richardson would like to announce the retirement of Captain Dean Register from the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office. Parties have been held, tears have been shed, and Dean and his family are looking forward to a bright future with a little less stress! Goodbye tension, hello Pension!
Dean began his career very early in life. At 15 years old while still in school, it was Mr. M.C. “Buster” Thomas that asked him “What are you currently doing to make your community better?” Dean took those words to heart and joined the Logansport Volunteer Fire Department and EMS, and even worked as a Reserve for the Logansport Police Department all by the time he turned 18 years old. One night while working EMS he received a call that a young man had been shot in a terrible accident, and Dean ended up by the boys side as he passed away. The incident had a major impact on his life, and his future as it would turn out. He made a commitment that night to himself and God that he would do everything in his power to help the youth of our community. Dean would later become a Reserve Deputy for the DeSoto Sheriff’s Office in 1988 at 21 years old, but it wasn’t until 1994 that he accepted a full time position at the DeSoto Sheriff’s Office in the Detention Center as a jailer. By 1996 he had moved into position as a Court Baliff, and his personal commitment really became a reality after graduating the D.A.R.E. Academy in 1998. Dean would continue being the Parish’s well known D.A.R.E. officer for 24 years, known to most as “Deputy Dean” even as he moved up in rank. He continued to serve in D.A.R.E. while also working as a Sergeant over the Baliffs, Lieutenant over Special Services, and eventually retiring as the Captain over Special Services. He has worked under four DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s including: Frenchie Lambert, Hugh Bennett, Rodney Arbuckle, and current Sheriff, Jayson Richardson. We had the opportunity to sit down with Dean today and hear stories that spanned over 35+ years working in public service to the Parish. We asked several questions, and the following were his departing words:
Q: Who do you take after the most, your mother or father?
A: I think I take after both, really. My mother had a very caring heart, especially for others. And my father loved telling jokes and pulling pranks all the time. I can’t say I take after one more than the other, just a little bit of both.
Q: Who is someone in your life that you have learned the most from?
A: Retired Deputy Carl Wilkinson probably had the largest impact on my life when it comes to work ethic. He was also a DARE officer for Caddo Sheriff’s Office. Rev. Arthur Washington and Rev. Don Scott were my biggest mentors in life when it came to faith and ministry. They taught me how to love all of God’s people, and be a good servant.
Q: What is a skill you possess that has nothing to do with your job?
A: I enjoy fishing and hunting just like the next guy, but lately I’ve really taken up a passion of restoring old pedal cars. I’ve also gotten into collecting and restoring cast iron skillets of all kinds. It’s something that may not be too common, but I’ve enjoyed it.
Q: What have you enjoyed the most from your years of service:
A: The students. Having an opportunity to teach, mentor, and minister to so many in our area, both on and off the job has been the biggest blessing.
Q: What is the key to a happy life?
A: Live, Laugh, & Love. As cliche as it may sound, it’s still true. Have a good personal relationship with God, and a family that shares in your faith as well. This will keep the joy alive in your life.
Q: What do you appreciate most about DeSoto Parish (the community)?
A: From my time here, from what I’ve seen, I think it doesn’t matter where you are from or the differences you may have with others….when tragedy strikes we all come together and help. That’s probably what makes our parish such a great place to live, and makes it easy to serve as well.
Q: Do you have a favorite verse, phrase, motto that you live by?
A: Psalm 19:14 says: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasant in your site, Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer.”
Q: What is one decision you have made that has changed your life for the better?
A: When I was still a young man, I met a girl in my youth group at church that ended up becoming my wife. We were married on December 17, 1988, right along the time I was figuring out what my own future would look like. Now 34 years later we have raised 3 wonderful children, and 3 grandchildren. Mary has always been a believer in me from the start, and she’s always encouraged me to do my best in everything. Without her, and Christ on my side, I would not be where I am today.
Q: What advice would you offer to someone looking to Law Enforcement as a possible career?
A: Well, my choice was a calling. It was something that changed deep in my heart that made me want to serve others from a very young age. I’d say even if it isn’t a calling, you must have a real desire to love everyone, to serve everyone, and you must be willing to do that 24/7…not just when you clock in. It cannot be lip-service. It must come from the heart.
We cannot say enough about what Capt. Dean Register has meant to this office, or how much he has accomplished for DeSoto Parish as a whole. His face and name are known by most, whether you call him Captain, Deputy Dean, Dad, or grandpaw….he means a lot to so many. We are certain that he will continue to serve the citizens of this parish in many ways, including in ministry. We congratulate Dean on a well established career, and a very well earned retirement!
