working for the City of Mason was my first choice, I started my career at the Public Works Department for the City of Lebanon where I was able to learn the skills needed. While working for Lebanon I realized that I enjoyed the work and felt that this was what I was meant to do. I have had the opportunity to continue my education in many different areas including playground inspection, pesticide control and application, heavy equipment operation, CDL, and many other areas in the civil service industry. Mason was always the place I called home; it was also my dream destination for my career. In 2016 I finally got the opportunity to come home and be a part of the best Public Works Department in Ohio. College is a fantastic learning and growth opportunity, but it wasn’t the place I needed to be. I wish I would have had someone or some organization inform me that there were opportunities outside of college that I could have taken advantage of sooner. The demand for skilled labor has only increased in the years since I began my public work career. It’s a fantastic place to begin a career that will let you to have a wonderful life, family, and job satisfaction.
Sgt. Jeremy Saylor After graduating from William Mason High School, I attended the University of Cincinnati and struggled to obtain a two year degree. I clearly was not ready for college. In 1995, I was hired by the Mason Deerfield Joint Fire District working as a firefighter. In 1999, I had the opportunity to apply for a Police Officer position for the City. Immediately upon being offered the position I was sent to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy. This is a 22-week program paid for by the State of Ohio. Beyond patrol officer responsibilities, I attained Assistant Team Leader on the regional SWAT team and as a self-defense instructor. In 2010, I was promoted to Sergeant and managed a patrol team. In 2014, based upon my experience and skills, the City selected me for Detective Supervisor. In 2017, the City implemented the Campus Security program, and I was again selected to lead the program. As I continued my career path I recognized that this might be the opportune time to complete my bachelor’s degree and with financial support from the City and a lot of hard work and initiative, I will graduate from the University of Cincinnati in April 2018. Having the opportunity to learn about career options during middle school or high school would have benefited me greatly. Having a college education may be important, but you have to be ready. If you’re not ready or have no interest in college there are a number of career opportunities in the City that are an excellent pathway to a rewarding profession. The City offers well-paying jobs without the need for a college degree. We just need to make students aware of those opportunities.
Student Learning Series In March, Firefighters Mike Breen and Jake Bennett attended the Mason High School Student Learning Series to discuss with students a career in the Mason Fire Department along with several other career opportunities that the City offers. Mike and Jake helped students learn where to start in a search for a career opportunity in the Fire/EMS field and where and how to obtain Fire and EMS certifications. Students were encouraged to stop by Fire Station 51 or 52 and speak with other firefighters about their work.
Sgt. Matt Hayes I graduated from Franklin High School in 1991. At the time of my graduation, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do for a profession. Unfortunately, I had never spoken to a guidance counselor during my high school years. A career in criminal justice interested me, so I enrolled in the criminal justice program at Sinclair Community College. My first semester of college was rough. I attended classes during the day while working seven days a week on an overnight shift at a factory. After my first semester I realized I was unable to keep up with my work schedule and achieve the desired grades. I stopped taking classes and continued working full-time at the factory. I learned of a Police Explorer Program sponsored by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and signed up. I spent the majority of my free time at the Sheriff’s Office riding with the Deputies and working in the jail.
Summer 2018
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