MITCHELL, S.D. (KELO) — A woman deputy in Davison County is making waves, with her being the first female deputy there in over 20 years.
Samantha Stiles has had her eye on law enforcement since a young age.
“I grew up with my father as a police officer and a deputy sheriff throughout the entire state of South Dakota. But I’ve just always wanted to do that ever since I was a kid pretty much. So, that’s just what felt like home,” Court Services Deputy, Stiles said.
Now her new ‘home’ is the Davison County Courtroom.
“We weren’t specifically looking for male or female for it. We had several applications that came in. We did a lot of interviews. Sam was the most qualified for the position, so she’s the one that got hired for it,” Davison County Sheriff, Steve Harr said.
As she is establishing herself as the first woman deputy there in 20 years.
“I just want to work in the community and make a difference, you know? So that’s what I’m looking forward to,” Stiles said.
“She’s catching on quick. I don’t– I don’t have any worries there. She’s doing a great job,” Harr said.
Inspiring other girls to do the same.
“But there’s been a couple little girls in my neighborhood that I’ve noticed. They think it’s pretty cool. And it’s it’s nice for them to look at me and say, wow, that’s something that maybe I can do,” Stiles said.
The Davison County Sheriff said there wasn’t a reason there hadn’t been a female deputy for that long, but he did say that turnover is very low, sometimes going years between hiring different deputies.
