My name is Briana Zimmerman. In 2017, I earned my associate degree in criminal justice at Florence-Darlington Technical College. Today, I work as a deputy at the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office and as a minister. These roles allow me to help people and do everything in my power to make this world a better and safer place.

Where did your interest in criminal justice originate?

In my youth, I was always very observant and tended to figure things out on my own. I enjoyed problem solving and solving mysteries, and I also had a couple of relatives who worked in law enforcement, so they motivated me to join the field.

Initially, I wanted to be an investigator. But there are so many different opportunities in law enforcement. Sometimes it’s good to stick to your original game plan, but sometimes it’s better to make changes.

I started my internship with the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office as a part-time receptionist. While in that position, I operated the phones, assisted customers and victims, and received training in other divisions including Warrants, National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and Civil.

I never thought I would be in my current position as a deputy over the sex offender registry. It is my responsibility to ensure that every offender is registered, that necessary follow-up actions are taken, and that paperwork is submitted in a timely manner. This work can be difficult at times, but I keep going and pushing, always striving to be the person that God calls me to be.

Tell us about the education you received at Florence-Darlington Technical College.

I loved the hands-on, interactive classes. We did different activities and projects that required us to contact someone in law enforcement and ask questions about their work and how they got to where they are. We also had speakers who came and talked to us about their experience as a law enforcement officer.

Instructor Nikki Sheehy was the best! Though she was strict, she made sure all her students had what they needed to pass her class. She taught from the depths of her heart and helped me better understand what I would face going into law enforcement. I still use advice she gave in class in my career today.

But education is about more than academics. The relationships I built with my classmates were also something special. Some of us would meet in front of the staircase going down towards the student lounge and go to Subway before our first class. We studied together before every test and talked about all the different things we learned. We laughed together but also had some serious conversations about life. We really looked out for each other.

Building caring relationships is also a crucial aspect in your role as a minister.

Yes – I love being a minister! I am a Praise and Worship Leader, I assist in intercessory prayer, and I help with our youth department. Knowing that God called me to spread His Word in such a time as this is fulfilling. When I come into contact with people anywhere – at work, at church, or in the world – I always give an encouraging word. I love helping people in any way that I can. This is what our communities need today.