By Terra Avilla
Police will always have a soft spot in my heart, especially the men and women that serve us here in Lassen County. One Deputy in particular, who I am incredibly fond and extremely proud of, is none other than our county’s very own David Lee.
Now, part of the beauty of this week’s article stems from the fact that I have witnessed David growing up before my eyes.
If you had told me back in 2015 that the little David who was running around Lassen High School was going to grow into one of the very best law enforcement officers we have in our county, I would have shaken my head in disbelief.
You see, much of my time as SRO was spent yelling at him to get in class, get off the tables, and to quit asking me questions. He seemed to know that it annoyed me so he would ask me the most bizarre things over and over again.
Flash forward to the present day and David has grown in so many ways. Watching him being a real grown-up Sheriff Deputy makes me so proud, because he is so good at it.
David is (and always has been) a natural leader and knows how to speak with people. Both traits that suit him well in the field. David is also brave, and extremely hard-working.
Working in an allied agency, David never ceased to amaze me the great investigative mindset that he has. His department, and those that he works with, or alongside, can’t help but like him and acknowledge his hard work.
Perhaps though, my favorite quality of Deputy Lee is his heart for children. Which, to be fair, he has always had.
David consistently volunteers whenever he can for any event that helps kids. This year, Holiday with a Hero, was no exception. The program got a double dose of luck because he also recruited his wonderful wife (and former feature of this article) Meghan.
Two of my favorite people in one spot? Two of my favorite law enforcement officers at the same event? It was a great day to see them together.
And wouldn’t you know, I tasked the two of them to take five, yes FIVE, children shopping at once. Let me tell you – taking one child is fun but is also kind of hard work. Keeping track of their lists, the spending limit and the child themselves, is hard enough.
We had “run out” of first responders and had children that still needed their hero so I asked David if he could take five children shopping with his wife. His answer- an exuberant “Yeah! Let’s do it!” without any hesitation.
Simply a heck yes. Let’s go kids.
I saw them in the store, and they had a system down pat. Their kiddos were smiling ear to ear. That was only possible because of the type of person David is.
And luckily for us, he is still so young. I cannot wait to see what his career brings, but also just how he continues to grow as young man. He has a heart of gold, and it serves him, and our community, well.
I am proud of you, Mr. Lee! You are truly one of the reasons I love where we live.
