Jim Dunagan

What inspired you to become a police officer and what keeps you motivated?

The short answer would be that I followed my father’s footsteps into this job, but to add to that; I have always admired the people that subscribed to the idea of service about self, who cared about their fellow man and the common good and were willing to sacrifice a part of themselves in service to those who were unable to stand up for themselves.  There is a certain honor and nobility to that, I think, and that sustains me in this profession.

Can you share a memorable experience from your career that had a significant impact on you?

I have so many memorable experiences from this job, and I think I have personally experienced just about every high and low that comes with it.  While it’s hard to land on only one, I think I would have to say the aftermath of a critical incident that I personally experienced.  When I had my critical incident experience, the thing that I remember most is how I was surrounded by the outpouring of support from the officers I worked with, as well as some that had retired or worked at different agencies.  I never felt alone or abandoned, and saw first-hand the strength of the Thin Blue Line.

What are some of the biggest changes you've seen in law enforcement since you started?

The world has changed drastically during my thirty years in police work, and this job has certainly changed with it.  I think that probably the most dramatic change has been the evolution of the technologies that we now have at our disposal.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

Every truly meaningful reward in this job has to do with the people that we encounter.  Saving a life, comforting a scared child, helping a woman escape an abusive relationship.  These are just some of the things that I would consider “rewarding”.

How do you handle the challenges and stresses of the job?

Police work, like many professions, comes with many challenges and stresses, and finding ways to deal with it is essential.  I would remind people that “pride goeth before the fall”.  Stay humble.  Be proud of who you are, but never take yourself too seriously, and always remember that there are people out there going through far worse than you.

In what ways have you seen your work positively impact the community?

We all live and work in a fishbowl, and it is important to remember that.  The actions we take, and the things that we say, resonate.  

What advice would you give to new recruits starting their careers?

Don’t forget the oath you took when you accepted this position, that was you making a promise to yourself to strive to make your community, and the world, just a little better and a little safer.  

Can you talk about the importance of teamwork and camaraderie in your line of work?

I cannot overstate the value of working together as a team, looking out for one another, and placing your trust in your fellow officer.  In this family, no one fights alone.

How do you balance your personal life with the demands of the job?

I can’t say that I really know where my personal life and my professional lives meet or end.  Being a police officer is not the type of job that you just clock out and go home, it becomes a large part of your identity and your personality, for better or for worse.  

What legacy do you hope to leave behind as a police officer?

When my police career is over, I hope that I am remembered as an honorable man, and that something I may have passed on to a young officer helps to guide them on their path.

How is Lady Lake different from other agencies you’ve worked for?

Lady Lake is a beautiful and growing community that supports its police officers.  The agency itself is growing, and is being led in the right direction.

 The Lady Lake Police Department is hiring. Apply today.