From the Marine Corps to the County Sheriff's Office: Sergeant Shawn Edwards on May 11, 2026

Sergeant Shawn Edwards of the Leon County Sheriff's Office joins Javonni Hampton to discuss his unconventional transition from a high school senior to a United States Marine, and eventually, a veteran law enforcement officer. He dives deep into the discipline required to lead a platoon of 84 people, the struggle of finding a new identity after service, and how the "teachable moments" on the job have shaped him as a father. -- In 1992, Shawn Edwards left high school halfway through his senior year to join the Marine Corps, returning to walk across the stage for graduation. -- Military leadership taught him that being a Sergeant is a 24-7 responsibility where you are literally responsible for the lives and well-being of someone else’s child. -- Transitioning to civilian life can lead to a loss of identity; Edwards describes the shift from commanding a platoon to starting over as a correctional officer in 2003. -- Effective law enforcement relies more on communication than physical force, noting that a deputy's "best weapon" is their mouth. -- A traumatic response to a bus accident involving a local youth club profoundly impacted his parenting style, leading to a long-term protective stance over his own children's safety. -- Career advice for the next generation includes keeping a clean record, as youthful mistakes can follow you into a professional law enforcement career. +++++++ This is episode 014. Find more information here: https://www.leoncountyso.com/