ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has launched the SHIELD program, a new initiative aimed at introducing young people from high-poverty neighborhoods to careers in law enforcement. This paid 12-week internship targets 16 and 17-year-olds, teaching them about law enforcement, money management, civic engagement, and leadership skills. The goal is to inspire some participants to consider a career as a jail deputy when they turn 18.
“Imagine what could happen if 10 young adults from an under-resourced neighborhood got $50,000-$70,000 at the age of 18, not only that but they’re provided with life skills, leadership training, personal money management, that could change the dynamics, its life-changing for a young adult and a family,” says Dr. Torrance Jones, the Community Engagement Executive for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. “If you don’t want to be a part of the Sheriff’s Office, that’s okay too you can take this leadership program, this certificate and add that to your resume and it’s just a powerful way to start your career at 18,” adds Dr. Jones.
Christine Drumgoole grew up in the City of Rochester, she was a jail deputy before she became a Rochester Police Officer. She retired a few years ago but was brought in by the Sheriff’s Office as the interim co-executive director of SHIELD, “coming from that, wanting to give back to my community and wanting to show them that there is a place at the table for you and just guiding them through those steps of how to get at that table,” Drumgoole says of why she agreed to the position.
The program’s leadership also includes former RPD officer and Macedon Police Chief Fabian Rivera, whose involvement has raised some eyebrows due to his past.
Rivera was involved in a drunk driving crash in 2023 while in his police vehicle. After being driven home, he got into his personal vehicle and drove drunk again. Reflecting on his past DWI charges, Rivera tells News10NBC Investigative Reporter Jennifer Lewke, “I can’t defend my past. I betrayed my oath. I betrayed the community my family, my friends. But that’s my burden…how do I carry that burden, I give back it’s as simple as that.”
Rivera’s journey to sobriety began immediately after he was charged and it started with support from Sheriff Todd Baxter, “The day of my incident the first person I called was Sheriff Baxter,” Rivera says. “Next thing you know I was down in Maryland at an inpatient (clinic) for substance abuse but also for PTSD, I did about 28 days, came back got reconnected with the VA and ever since it’s been very, very peaceful and tranquil life.”
Rivera emphasized the importance of resilience. “Once the Sheriff asked, I couldn’t say no, he didn’t say no to me,” Rivera says. “I show a resiliency…you can hit rock bottom but you have to get up. You’ve gotta get up. Gotta fight and I have a ton of fight left in me.”
Both Rivera and Drumgoole plan to use their experiences both professionally and personally to mentor the teens. “We are moving the needle to the right on child poverty through employment,” Rivera says.
The SHIELD program starts this Saturday with the first 10 teenagers. Rivera and Drumgoole are serving as independent contractors, each being paid $20,000 to kickstart the program. The Sheriff’s Office plans to hire a full-time executive director in the coming months.
In a statement, Sheriff Todd Baxter tells Lewke, “The SHIELD program began as a vision several years ago to lift young people out of poverty and equip them with the tools needed for lasting success. One of our long-term benefits is to also recruit future deputies, and prepare young people for the discipline, responsibility, and service this noble profession demands. The concept is simple — a program that teaches leadership, financial well-being, physical fitness, academics, and essential life skills to help young people prevail. As the program developed, I intentionally sought out individuals who are deeply committed to youth empowerment, possess proven team leadership and project management skills, and are willing to share their real-life experiences — both positive and negative — to show how challenges can be overcome. This program will continue to evolve, and that growth requires trust in the people brought on to help build it as we learn and improve. Fabian Rivera and Christine Drumgoole came to mind and met and exceeded every expectation. I selected both individuals deliberately for the strengths they bring to SHIELD and the credibility of their life experiences, which allow them to connect meaningfully with those considering and participating in the program.”
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