Meet the new Placer County Sheriff's deputy

Editor's note: Latest in a series of profiles. Name: Anthony "AJ" Santiago Age: 28 City of residence: Roseville Family: Married with two dogs named Gunner and Lyla-Rae Position: Deputy Previous position: Correctional officer with PCSO for two years. Why did you want to join the Placer County Sheriff team? I wanted to join PSCO for a lot of the same reasons everyone does. PCSO is an SO that takes care of its employees and has a great relationship with the community. PCSO is also extremely progressive with training, tools and education, so their employees can be successful. What do you like most about your job? I enjoy how much opportunity there is to learn and develop. No calls are the same and every day seems to provide a new experience. What do you like least or find most challenging about your job? The most challenging part of my job is not having the experience. I understand this will come with time; however, it has proven to be challenging. What do you hope to accomplish as a deputy? What are your top priorities? I hope to be a reliable partner. Being new, it's hard to look too far down the road. I just want to become a good deputy first. I do have some goals, but for now I am focused on the day-to-day. What advice would you give to those who may be considering a job in law enforcement? Do your research. Ask questions. Go on ride-alongs. Too often, people want to join law enforcement as a last resort and don't understand the time and preparation it takes to get your foot in the door. For me, starting as a correctional officer was huge. I got a ton of experience and was able to better understand what it takes to be in law enforcement.