Sunday, February 9, 2025
HomeWhy We Love This Place WednesdaysWhy We Love This Place Wednesday: Brandon Vinson

Why We Love This Place Wednesday: Brandon Vinson

By Terra Avilla

I got you Brandon! (Insert an evil cackle).

Much to his dismay, my dear, sweet, goofy friend Brandon Vinson is the feature of this week.

You know those people that whenever you see them, you think, “Oh! (insert name) is here? Awesome! I love that guy/gal,” and you actually want to go say hi to them? Yep. Brandon is that guy.

Yesterday, I had one of those moments, when I saw dear ole “Vinny” at a career fair.

He was be-bopping around saying hello to everyone. It was so good for my soul to see him. During our conversation, it occurred to me that I had never written about him, (although in my head I feel like I did). So here it is. His turn.

You cannot talk about Vinny and not talk about how funny he is. Absolutely one of the funniest human beings I have ever met. Vinny started his law enforcement career at the Sheriff’s Office, and I remember loving it when we worked the same shift, even though we worked for a different department.

All the departments loved Vinny.

Throughout his law-enforcement career, Brandon has consistently worked with the community in various outreach programs.

He took pride, too, in wearing his uniform, because with Vinny, a career as a Sheriff was not a job of power or authority, but really of accessibility.

Standing next to his unflappable K9 partner, Brinx, Brandon became a familiar sight as he consistently attended community events, schools and even a slow pitch softball game or two.

He was known for being accessible, in addition to being highly approachable and ultra-sensitive to the well-being of others.

Vinny now works for CHP, where he continues to break down those barriers and let people see behind the badge.

His humor does not prevent him from being a very skilled law enforcement officer. I personally have seen him be able to gracefully handle the worried parent waiting to be reassured, the giggling group of children waving through the glass, all the way to the concerned citizen telling a story.

Brandon is always just a big, reassuring presence.

I could not write about Vinny and leave out what a great dad and husband he is. His wife Nicole is simply as amazing as he is! Their family is the epitome of what anyone would want to surround themselves with.

Authentic, humble, kind and your occasional joke or two. If you do not know Brandon Vinson, then the next time you see the CHP at any community event, I’m sure good ole Brandon is not far away, either there on duty, or just being the social little butterfly that he is.

I have been so blessed by his friendship. He is, and has been for a long time, one of the reasons I love where we live.

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