Preston Crissey
Deputy Sheriff, Aurora County Sheriff’s Office; Plankinton, SD
STI Class of 2010
Degree: Law Enforcement Science

Answering the Call of Duty
Deputy Preston Crissey serves and protects with respect and honor.

For Preston Crissey, the lure of law enforcement has appealed to him on many different levels. His desire to serve and protect foremost on his list, he also chose his career from a practical standpoint as well. “When I first started looking into law enforcement, I considered a few different things including job security, getting the opportunity to help people, the excitement of it, getting a chance to meet new people and working with great people within the field.”

And his career choice has paid off. Shortly following graduation from the Law Enforcement Science program at Southeast Tech, Preston accepted a position as Deputy Sheriff in the Aurora County Sheriff’s Office in Plankinton, SD. Originally from Beresford, SD he enjoys small town living and the relationships that are essential in a small community. He notes, “With my degree I was up and running and in my career in just two years. Southeast Tech was a great choice for me financially.”

The diversity of his position as a deputy sheriff has also been a benefit to Preston. “I’m proud to serve and protect the people and property of Aurora County. As a county deputy you do a little bit of everything. It varies from acting as a customer service representative to working with issues the general public has no knowledge about.”

A leader on and off duty, Preston is proud to be an everyday hero. Recently certified to instruct D.A.R.E. for the schools in Aurora County including White Lake, Plankinton and Stickney, he takes great pride in impacting his community. “When you become a law enforcement officer, you’re always in the public’s eye even when you’re off duty. Building a healthy foundation with the public not only benefits me as an officer, but also the people I protect as well. Law enforcement is a very rewarding career.”