Caitlin Shanks

July 2025 Issue
photography (top and bottom right)
by Cassidy Dunn Photography

 

Caitlin Shanks

Current Residence: Beaufort, SC 

Hometown: Crystal River, FL

Career/Rank: Deputy Sheriff/School Resource Officer 

Family: Sons, ages 5 and 4

Favorite pastimes: Going for walks, being outdoors,
and exploring new places 

 

What inspired you to pursue such a challenging career? How and/or why did you choose your branch of service? What do you love about it?
Upon graduating high school, I knew I wanted to be in a career where I could help people. I started going through EMT/paramedic school but found myself joining the U.S. Air Force, where I became a military police. Once I separated from the military, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but the opportunity of becoming a school resource officer came up and I couldn’t turn it down! This position lets me serve and help others, especially children.

I don’t necessarily have a reason why I chose the Air Force over the other branches of service or why I chose the Sheriff’s office, but I have no regrets. I love them both! The Air Force was an amazing organization to be a part of—everyone was family. The same goes for the Sheriff’s office. It’s paramilitary, so everyone helps each other out, as well. We all have each other’s backs from the very top down to the very last man. 

Tell us about your background and what gave you the courage to fearlessly pursue your passion?
I had what I consider a very normal childhood. I was raised by a mom of three girls who always taught me to be myself and be independent. I didn’t like going up to strangers and talking to them. At one point in my life, I wouldn’t even go up to a Walmart employee to ask them a question. Going through EMT school slowly broke me out of that fear. Then, joining the Air Force and working the front gate, where I had to talk to every person entering the base, really brought me out of that shy persona. Now, at my current job, I talk to kids, parents, teachers, and administrators all the time. I build bonds and relationships with all of them. And knowing I’m making a difference helps me be even more fearless. 

You work in a demanding field, what do you do to help relieve stress and cope with some of the day-to-day challenges?
Truthfully, being with my kids and just getting outdoors and going for walks. I love doing things that make my sons happy. It helps me forget about work and focus on them and their cute smiles. 

What is the No. 1 thing you would teach women about safety?
I would teach women to always be vigilant. The world is a horrible place now a days, and knowing your surroundings, knowing who you’re with, and knowing where every exit is at all times is very important. You truly never know what can happen, especially if you have kids. For me, I always sit where I can see the door and have one or two exit plans, so if something happens, I know how to get out. 

What encouragement do you have for women/girls who are interested in pursuing a career in your field?
Just do it! It can be very hard, and there will always be bumps in the road, but it’s worth every second of it. It’s a short period of time to go through to get to where you want to be, but I promise it can be done with the right mindset. People often look down on women in law enforcement, but that’s okay, let them! The more women we have, the better! 

If you could tell the world anything, what would it be?
I’d tell everyone to just be kind to one another. Life’s too short, and everything can change in a split second. I’ve witnessed it happen to numerous people, even myself. Love those who are close to you and never take advantage of them.