As a part of Mr. Long’s Photojournalism class, students completed a short interview with different staff members of the district. Over the next few weeks, we will highlight some of the staff that help make a difference in our students' lives.
Deputy Dustin Lustig, School Resource Officer of Altamont (Unit #10) and Beecher City (Unit #20) ( Interviewed By Justyce Higgs)
How long have you been working at Altamont High School?
This is the start of my third year at ACHS
Why did you choose Altamont?
It was assigned to me along with Beecher City.
Which one is your favorite?
Which one? They are both my favorite.
What is your favorite thing about Altamont?
The people that I get to see on a daily basis, both the staff and students. Everyone is so kind here.
What do you want to accomplish at Altamont?
I want the people here to know that I am here to help them in any situation and will do anything I can to make things better.
When did you decide you wanted to become a police officer/ school resource officer?
I was probably in high school when I decided that I wanted to do law enforcement because it's a job that allows me to help people. I feel strongly about that. As for the school resource officer part, that was about 3 years ago when I started this. I thought that being able to interact with the younger kids and provide a positive role model would help and hopefully carry with them through their lives.
Did anyone inspire you in this journey?
I’ve had several family members that were police officers in the past. It’s something that I have known for a while and something that just always interested me.
What was your schooling/training like?
To become a police officer, I first obtained two different college degrees. Once I was hired on, I went through an interview process, followed by a 12 week police academy. When I finished with the police academy, I had to do a 12 week training program within the department and then I could finally start.
Did you ever feel like you were gonna quit, like it was too hard?
No, it has always been pretty awesome. It's a way of being challenged on something new everyday and that's one of the biggest reasons I enjoy it.
Would you encourage others to join this career?
Absolutely, if there’s somebody that wants to help people, wants to have several challenges and obstacles and wants to inspire; this is a career that would be perfect for them.
What traits help you in this profession?
Somebody that is able to do tasks on their own, even extra ones. Someone that's motivated, somebody that cares, and wants to do the right thing. Someone that wants to help people do the right thing and that wants to help people in bad situations get into better situations.”
What are 3 words you would have described yourself in high school?
I was motivated, self driven, and disciplined.
Do you think those helped you over the years?
They have because we’re all going to face obstacles in life and I think those 3 traits help you overcome some of those obstacles.
What are 3 words you would describe high school students today?
I would say motivated, intelligent (especially when it comes to technology), and pretty positive.
What are your strengths as a person?
I would say my character. My beliefs on what is right and what is wrong. As well as my desire to help others and try to fix whatever I can to help people.
Do they make you a better person for the job?
I would hope so, I don't know. I would think the answer to that is yes, but I think that may be better suited for somebody to answer that on my behalf.
What do you think your weaknesses are?
There are times that maybe things pop up that I haven't dealt with before. Education maybe a little bit in a sense. I cross things I haven't done before, so I have to learn. I have to always be learning. I think that may be a weakness, but it could become a strength by gaining knowledge.
Do you think it would affect your job?
No, I don't think so. I think that it will teach me new things that I will be able to use in the future and make me stronger in the job.
Is building relationships with the students/staff important to you?
It is the most important part of my job as a resource school officer. It's the point of my job; to be here and let people know that as a police officer and law enforcement, we are here to help and we will do whatever we can to help. For the staff, we are here to work as colleagues. Hopefully, we can help the student body to strive to do the right thing.
Do you think a community is an important thing for you?
I think the community is a huge factor. I think that the more people we have on the same side and the more people we have working together; the stronger we are and the more that we’re going to accomplish.