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Dave Mercier

Staff Sergeant (Sep.) Dave Mercier knew at a young age that he wanted to be in law enforcement. "My father served for four years in the Air Force and I was born while he was still on active duty," said Mercier. "He was extremely proud of his service and I always remembered seeing his retirement order hanging on the wall." After graduating from high school in 1993, Mercier enlisted in the Air Force. Following basic training, Mercier went on to attend the security police training program where he was selected to become a military working dog handler. He was sent to Osan Air Base, Korea, and later to Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. For the next five years he would develop his personal life and leadership skills. "I met my wife in Del Rio, Texas, and we had our first child here," said Mercier. "When my daughter was born, I had to really think about re-enlisting and what I wanted to do." Ultimately, Mercier decided it would be best after seven years of service to his country to move on and serve his local community. Mercier began working for the Del Rio Police Department as a patrol officer where he later became a detective. Mercier now serves as a supervisory probation officer for the United States Probation Office. "The lessons I learned as a military member have truly helped shape my career into what it is now,” said Mercier. “The Air Force gave me the ability to promote quickly in my civilian job and better serve my community."