Ep.15_Why the Blue Backs Mentors Care (Glenn Heights Police Chief Vernell Dooley)

Host Dena Petty sits down with one of Mentors Care's most visible volunteers--Vernell Dooley. He's the Chief of Police in Glenn Heights and serves as a mentor at nearby Red Oak High School.

Dooley admits that while some weeks in law enforcement are strenuous and difficult, they always seem to brighten up after he invests that one hour a week with his assigned student at Red Oak High School. 

His conversation reminds other mentors that staying "others-focused" is a key way to combat being consumed with one's own personal schedule, job demands and a never-ending "to-do" list.

Dooley began his law enforcement career with the Denton PD in September 2005. During his tenure in the tip of north central Texas, Dooley served in various functions including Patrol Sergeant, Director of Training, and the Interim Assistant to the City Manager. 

As Director of Training for the Denton Public Safety Training Center, Dooley was responsible for the division’s overall management, operations and curriculum development. He enhanced the professionalism of the training center and increased the quality and quantity of training delivered to the north Texas area. 

In July 2017, Dooley joined the Glenn Heights Police Department as the Deputy Chief of Police. Just over two years later in October 2019, Dooley was appointed to the position of Chief of Police.

Dooley is a graduate of the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration Basic School of Police Supervision and served as the class president. Dooley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of North Texas and a Master’s Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Dooley is married, a father of two boys and one girl, and resides in Midlothian.

Mentors Care is a non-profit organization that implements a proven method of mentoring students at risk of not graduating high school. Its volunteers are trained to encourage ACTION, HOPE, and a FUTURE for every student who participates in Mentors Care.

For more information about how to support Mentors Care or how to become part of the Mentors Care family, contact us at info@mentors.care or visit https://mentors.care