A female deputy who wanted to make a difference in her community has been named the Beauregard Parish Deputy of the Year by the VFW Post 3619 in DeRidder.

Deputy Shuntell March was presented with her award at the VFW’s annual awards ceremony last week, and she called the recognition “a blessing.”

A DeRidder High School graduate, March began her law enforcement career working with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office as a dispatcher in 2013. In 2015, she jumped at the opportunity to transfer to the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office to begin serving within her home community, and she was assigned to the communications division.

She said she made the decision to join law enforcement to answer the call for change.

“Many people complain about changes that need to be made, I decided I wanted to be a part of the change and not just talk about it,” she stated.

March’s dedication was noticed quickly by her supervisors.

Less than a year with BPSO, March was moved from the communications division to the correctional division, and she was quickly promoted into an assistant supervisory position where she had the opportunity to train others on her shift.

In 2017, March graduated from the Calcasieu Parish Regional Academy and requested to be transferred to the School Resource Officer division.

Chief Deputy Jared Morton said the role suited March perfectly.

“It takes a special personality to connect with today’s youth. It is obvious Shuntell March has what it takes. Without a doubt, she has a desire to mentor students with hopes they will be successful,” Morton stated.

Last year, March received a certification from the state for advanced training working with juvenile victims

Sheriff Mark Herford said that March has continued to impress throughout her years working in the schools.

“Deputy March has been recognized many times by students and staff alike as being a great mentor and leader in the schools and her community. Shuntell’s love for her job and interactions with the kids she has daily during the school year is evident to all who talk with her and reenforced by her supervisors,” Herford stated.