Burleson named new security director at WTC

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Brent Burleson, the new director of security at Western Texas College, said he looks forward to being responsible for the safety of the WTC community.
Burleson has worked part-time as a security guard on the WTC campus the past two years, while also serving as a jail sergeant at the Scurry County Jail. Burleson was named the new director last week.
He said the major difference between working at the jail and the college is the sense of protection and service that comes with working on campus.
“The safety of these kids and staff is the No. 1 priority,” Burleson said. “I love it so far. I have the potential to learn a lot and to influence a lot. I firmly believe that.”
Burleson said he considered applying for the director’s position when it opened earlier this year.
As other applicants and interviewees came and went, the job was still open and Burleson finally applied.
“I put a lot of thought into it,” Burleson said. “I gave it some thought at first, but it kept coming up in my mind. I prayed about it a lot and finally realized this is something I want to do. So I applied, and eventually got the job.”
Burleson’s passion for law enforcement can be credited in part to his father, Snyder police Sgt. Kyle Burleson. He said his father has had a great influence on him and continues to help guide him in law enforcement. Burleson said being around law enforcement made him aspire to serve others.
“When you’re around it so much, you’re drawn to it,” Burleson said. “I’ve dedicated the past four years to getting into law enforcement.”
Over the summer, Burleson went through police academy training and said he will likely work part-time for a police department at some point in the future.
He said the chance to have an impact on the lives of the students is one of the best parts of his job.
“You get to influence these kids and you get to be there for them,” Burleson said.
Burleson said he feels comfortable at his new job because he has worked with the security guards.
He said he has confidence in his staff and said he hopes to make a positive impact for the school and community.
“We’re here to make sure things go off without a hitch,” Burleson said. “Sometimes, there’s a stigma about being a campus security guard. But the fact is, if anything happens, these guys are the first responders. We take it very seriously, especially when you’re dealing with people’s children.”