Men's Soccer

Don't Speed: SVC's Dean May Have Chance to Catch You

BENNINGTON, Vt. -  It's not often where your childhood dream job is the one you still want to pursue after high school.  Most times the idea of being a fireman or a police officer leaves once adolescence turns into adulthood.  Southern Vermont College senior Brandon Dean (Petersburgh, NY/Hoosick Falls Central) bucks that trend.

Four years ago, Dean was looking for a small school with a criminal justice program.  He found Southern Vermont and the two were a perfect match.  His father was a cop, but it wasn't until he saw the movie The Fugitive that Dean was positive he wanted to have a badge. 

"I've always wanted to help people," said Dean.  "It's a great way to serve the community."

Dean has found his four years at SVC extremely rewarding.

"The professors are always around and the atmosphere is conducive to learning," said Dean. 

The senior has spent his spring semester practicum with the New York State Police.  He is working with the Forensics Identification Unit Troop G.  He was amazed at the difference between television and reality.

"The autopsy process is portrayed as neat in television, when in fact it is far from that," said Dean.

Dean has also learned how to find fingerprints while working with investigators and has enjoyed working with the Special Weapons & Tactics (SWAT) Team.

It's a wonder how Dean has had any free time.  He plays both soccer and volleyball for SVC.  He works at the Bennington Recreation Center as a lifeguard.  He volunteers at the Center for Restorative Justice.  He is a member of the Student Government Association.  He has worked at every orientation in both the fall and spring since the second semester of his freshman year.  He also volunteers with the big brothers-big sisters program. 

"Brandon Dean is not only a quality athlete, but he's a quality person as well," said SVC Director of Athletics Benjamin Kozik.  "His teammates look up to him.  His peers respect him.  Even incoming freshman and potential recruits talk about his personality and character.  That's something that can't be taught."   

Dean hopes to be a police officer, but knows that there is a tough road ahead.

"Usually academy training takes four to five months and then you are on the road for a one-year probationary period," Dean explained. 

Dean has been a leader at SVC and expect that trend to continue in the future. 

"What impresses me most about Brandon are his leadership qualities.  On or off the playing field or court, he is always a leader - participating in student-activities, being a Big Brother - he's always setting an example," said Kozik.

Brandon Dean: Southern Vermont College Class of 2008.