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Featured today in Part 13 of “Called to Serve,” a weekly NG series in which law enforcement officers share stories about their journey to work with Editor-in-Chief Jeff D’Alessio: Deputy Champaign County Sheriff and Resource Manager at Unity High School KEVIN FRANZEN.
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As the students headed back to school last month, Unity High School’s Resource Manager Kevin Franzen posted this photo on Facebook, with the message: “Here we go !! It’s been 18 months. difficult, but we are delighted to see ALL the students AND to see them again for full days. I wish everyone a safe and productive year. Go rockets !! ‘
By KEVIN FRANZEN
Law enforcement became a source of interest when I was in elementary school. Growing up in northern Champaign County, I have had many positive interactions with the police that have left a lifelong impression on me.
My cousin, Gayle Franzen, was the director of the Illinois Corrections Department. I attended a family reunion and he showed up with a security feature that was at the end of the aisle for personal security. I remember thinking it was the coolest thing there was.
Gayle’s dad, Mike, was a Champaign County MP who lived a few miles from our house, and I always had a thrill driving past his house and seeing that patrol car parked in the driveway. Hearing stories about their work and their involvement in law enforcement has always been a source of pride for our family.
As I grew older, I still had a desire to work in law enforcement, but lacked what I considered to be the maturity and self-confidence that I needed to become an effective police officer. I took some classes, but I wasn’t the best student and I didn’t really like school, which is ironic as I have been in charge of school resources for most of my career.
I decided to go into sales in order to get out of my comfort zone and build my self-confidence.
After working in sales and service for about 10 years, I decided to change course and pursue my dream of being in law enforcement. I owe a lot of where I am today to my childhood friend, classmate, colleague and mentor, Brian Mennenga.
Franzen, right, with his mentor, colleague and former classmate Brian Mennenga.
Brian had worked in the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office for several years, and I learned a lot from him through the conversations and the many walks he endured with me.
During these walks, the camaraderie and brotherhood that I observed with other deputies and zone officers left an indelible impression on me. I realized that these men and women had a special family bond and I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I will always be grateful to Lieutenant Mennenga for taking me under his wing.
Fast forward 22 years, and I’m nearing the end of my career. I have witnessed many great things that my counterparts have done to keep this county safe and secure. I saw the selflessness and danger they put themselves into without hesitation.
I will always be extremely proud to have served my community as a law enforcement officer and to call them my brothers and sisters.
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