By Terra Avilla
I first met Derek through the Sheriff’s Office, and it did not take long to realize that he is freaking hilarious. Every word out of his mouth is funny, but never in the annoying, trying-too-hard way. He is just naturally funny.
The kind of person who can make a long, exhausting shift better without even really trying.
Derek is easygoing, kind, and one of those people who can get along with absolutely everyone. Seriously, I have never met anyone who does not like Kennemore. How could you not?
I remember working fire evacuations with him, and he somehow turned one of those tiring, stressful assignments into one of my favorite law-enforcement memories. That says a lot, because fire evacuations are long, chaotic, and usually involve very little sleep. But when you are working with Derek, there is always something to laugh about.
We have also spent time waiting to testify at court, sitting in the kids’ waiting room together, which is honestly a very specific kind of bonding experience. If you know, you know. But those little moments are what make the job memorable, and Derek has a way of making even the boring or inconvenient parts of the job better.
Last week, Derek was in one of my trainings. When I saw his name on the roster, I was genuinely excited because I already knew I was going to enjoy the week more with him there. That is the kind of person he is, he brings good energy wherever he goes.
Derek has worked at the Sheriff’s Office for a long time, and he is a true local boy. He cares about this community, shows up for people, and is the kind of loyal friend everyone should have in their corner.
Also, in my head, I had somehow decided Derek was married which, ladies, is a fun fact for you: he is not. Derek asked me to make sure everyone knows how awesome he is.
Not really. I did make him take this picture with me, though.
We are lucky to have people like Derek serving Lassen County. He is funny, solid, easy to be around, and proof that even in a job that can be heavy, the right people can make it a whole lot better.
