Changed her career path early on
Even though Sergeant Reyes began her college career studying veterinarian medicine, she realized early in her studies that this was not going to be fulfilling for her. "As much as I loved working with animals, I had a strong desire to seek a career in law enforcement." She quit college and moved north from the Los Angeles area to Oregon and the rest is history.
Breaking into the field
Sergeant Reyes was only 19 years old when she left her friends and family to move to Oregon. After settling in the Rogue Valley, she applied for and was offered a position as a Cadet with the Medford Police Department. While employed there, she learned of the Oregon State Police and started making inquiries in order to learn more about the agency. "I remember being told that the Oregon State Police had the highest standards of any agency within the State of Oregon." "Once I learned that, I knew I wanted to work for the Oregon State Police."
Sergeant Reyes left Medford Police Department, was hired as a dispatcher with the Oregon State Police, and impatiently waited until she was hired as a State Trooper. In January of 1994, her dream came true and she entered Recruit School at the age of 23.
"Never having been exposed to a par-military environment, Recruit School was a bit of a shock for me." Sergeant Reyes learned a lot during her time at the academy. "Recruit School provided me with the tools and gave me the confidence to perform the duties that my new career required." "After Recruit School, I knew what my strengths were along with my weaknesses. Other members of the agency provided and continue to provide phenomenal support by helping me maintain my strengths and build upon my weaknesses. We do this everyday for each other. We work together."
Job Diversity
One of the many reasons why Sergeant Reyes prefers the State Police is the diversity of the occupation. Sergeant Reyes started her career assigned to the Patrol Division at the Bend Patrol Office. Later, she was offered a position with the Tribal Gaming Unit. "This was a relatively new unit that was in charge of overseeing and maintaining the integrity of gaming at the Tribal Gaming Casinos in the State of Oregon." It was a new, exciting, and challenging position for Sergeant Reyes. She eagerly accepted.
"I learned so much in this job and felt challenged everyday." After a short time in the unit, Sergeant Reyes began to feel that she did not get her fill of life on patrol. She had a strong desire to return to patrol and "work the road."
Sergeant Reyes returned to the Patrol Division and was assigned out of the Salem Patrol Office. During her tenure there, she worked as a resident Trooper at the Mill City Worksite, worked out of the Salem Patrol Office, and was a member of the Marion County Crash Reconstruction Team.
"The different tasks and opportunities this agency has to offer is countless, if someone becomes bored with this agency, they are not trying!"
Sergeant Reyes transferred to the Training Division a year ago after accepting a position as a Recruiter. She is still assigned to this unit. She especially enjoys this assignment because she feels she has involvement in the hiring of new Troopers. "What a privilege to be able to work towards building the future of the agency!"
Life outside the Oregon State Police
Sergeant Reyes is married to another State Trooper and they currently reside in the Salem area. "My husband understands the demands which are sometimes placed upon me and is extremely supportive of my career and my goals."
She has always been and continues to be an active equestrian. "I use to do quite a bit of showing on the Hunter/Jumper circuit while growing up in Southern California, but these days, I am more content to just go out and work with the horses. They are my therapy."
When not spending time with her husband or the horses, Sergeant Reyes is working towards completing her Masters Degree.
Was it worth it?
"I consider myself a very fortunate person. I have a great husband, a nice home, cats, horses, and an honorable career that provides me opportunity for continuous growth and challenges. What more could a girl ask for?"
|
