EASLEY – Patrol officer Justin Stegall of the Easley Police Department knew that a career in uniform was something that he always wanted to do.

“I have lived in Easley my entire life,”Stegall said. “Nothing would have given me more happiness than being able to serve this community and keep my hometown safe.”

Stegall is a lifelong resident of Pickens County and is a 2005 graduate of Easley High School where he played on the football team.

“Playing football for the Green Wave taught me a lot,” Stegall said. “I played on the offensive line and the defensive line and it showed me what hard work, commitment, and dedication was all about. Those attributes have rolled over into the career I have today.”

After high school, Stegall attended Tri-County Technical College’s Criminal Justice Program.

“Even though I have not finished my Criminal Justice degree as of yet, it is definitely a main goal of mine,” Stegall said. “It will help me to advance in my career in law enforcement.

Stegall’s career in law enforcement began for the Easley Police Department in 2010 on dispatch, and he is a 2012 graduate of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.

“The academy was truly a different kind of experience, Stegall said. “They made it to be high stress for the 12 weeks so they can test how each officer will perform in the field. I was glad that I got to do it and it has prepared me for this career.”

After more than a year on dispatch, Stegall was promoted to uniformed patrol where he remains today.

“It is something new every day, Stegall said. “It is never the same old mundane routine, and it is pretty much a new adventure every time you sign on.”

Stegall is data master certified and has received training in advanced DUI detection.

“Getting a job in law enforcement was my main goal,” Stegall said. “I am in it now and the next goal is to hopefully be on the new sniper team, but who really know after that. I take it one goal at a time.”