Deborah Takahara’s career in law enforcement has been a relatively recent development, but her interest and investment in supporting first responders runs deep. Deborah is the public information director for Douglas County Sheriff Office (DCSO), a job she has had for three years. Before, Deborah worked a year with the United States Attorney’s Office, Colorado as a public affairs specialist and spent nearly three decades in front of the camera doing broadcast journalism. More than half of Deborah’s experience as an anchor was here in Denver for Fox31/CW2 (KDVR/KWGN).

As a self-proclaimed “Air Force brat,” Deborah moved around growing up. Living in Orange County for high school and college, the influence of her next-door neighbor, the Fountain Valley police chief, helped shape Deborah’s life and career. “I thought I wanted to be a detective, but my career took me into broadcast journalism,” Deborah explained. While not working directly with law enforcement, it was never far from her heart or professional interest.

While on the news, Deborah worked closely with law enforcement around the country. She covered numerous crime, justice and public safety news stories, fundraised for nonprofits benefiting first responders and volunteered with Metro Denver Crime Stoppers and Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation, among others.

DCSO is coming full circle for Deborah. She graduated from the University of California at Irvine, majoring in social ecology, criminal justice and business management. After an internship with the Laguna Beach Police Department’s homicide unit, she shifted her focus from police to reporting. A wife and mother of a son and two daughters, Deborah’s work and family life balance ultimately shifted her career from the anchor desk back into law enforcement.

Public information officers (PIO) primarily provide timely and balanced communication and information between the community and law enforcement agencies. The many facets of PIO work include writing press releases, social media posts, speaking on behalf of Sheriff Darren Weekly, keeping DCSO staff informed about developments and news, planning community events, holding neighborhood watch meetings and teaching crime prevention classes.

A typical PIO day is in constant flux, shifting from writing to crisis management to video production, with the goal of disseminating clear and pertinent information. “Our typical day is usually just a series of planned tasks interrupted by reality,” Deborah said. The best part for her though, is “telling the story of the DCSO and the amazing and heroic work they do every single day.”

Throughout her career, Deborah’s goal has remained constant: use whatever influence she has to highlight the bravery and dedication of others and to try to leave every situation better than she found it.

Deborah has several interests outside of her job. She likes to travel and to run; she finished four marathons, including the big one in Boston. She also loves gardening and the water: beaches, lakes and rivers all recharge her.

 

 

By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Deborah Takahara