THE PATROL car engine rumbled through young Destiny Wilkinson’s shoes. Her nose pressed against the cool window. The world became blurry with flashing red and blue lights as her dad, Deputy Rusty Clark, navigated the streets as the sun began to set. She fixed her twinkling eyes on his right hand, resting on the steering wheel. It was the same hand that now held the weight of the badge and the responsibility of keeping their town safe.
Wilkinson adjusted her own badge; the cool metal felt familiar against her chest. Years had passed, and her desk lamp’s muted glow had replaced the bright patrol car lights as she finished a report. The badge’s weight still felt the same. It constantly reminded her of the man who had first shown her its power.
A smile touched her lips as she vividly recalled a specific memory — a little girl filled with wonder as she stood beside her father, dressed in his uniform. She now wears the same uniform and carries his legacy and her own light, determined to make their community a little brighter.
Wilkinson is a remarkable presence in our community. As the only woman officer on patrol at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, she dedicates her life to keeping the community safe. She not only carries her father’s torch but also inspires a new generation of young girls to shine their lights and courageously pursue their dreams.
Wilkinson’s father greatly influenced her career while she was growing up.

She recalled, “I just always enjoyed hearing the stories about the brotherhood that he had with his work family. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do, and I’ve really enjoyed every minute of it.”
Her father’s wisdom and integrity have guided her on her journey.
“When I graduated from the police academy, he gave me this piece of advice: ‘Your badge gives you authority, but your integrity, morals, and how you treat people are what earn you respect.’ That has stuck with me,” she shared.
Wilkinson’s honesty and integrity guide her interactions with the community. Today, she helps people facing mental health challenges.
Wilkinson’s parents had different reactions to her career choice. Though they were both incredibly supportive of their daughter’s aspirations, her father was hesitant due to the challenges he knew firsthand. Her mother saw it as an excellent opportunity for her and encouraged her to follow her dreams. Eventually, her father’s reservations eased.
Even though her father has died, Wilkinson holds dear many wonderful memories of their time together. One particularly special memory that brightens Wilkinson’s spirit is the precious time she spent patrolling alongside him.

Balancing work and personal life can be challenging for anyone, but for Wilkinson and her husband, who also works in the sheriff’s department, their mutual understanding of the job’s trials and stress makes it work.
“We promise each other that every day we come home, we make time for just us and leave the officer parts of us at the door,” she explained.
Their mutual respect and support help them navigate their careers’ demands while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Wilkinson is passionate about helping people, especially those in mental health crises.
“The majority of what we do is help people in mental health crises,” she shared. “We go through crisis negotiation classes to learn how to talk to these individuals and try to help them to seek treatment.”
Her passion for this aspect of her job arose from personal experiences and a desire to impact people’s lives positively. Losing one of her best friends to mental health issues led her to devote her life to supporting others in navigating the challenges associated with mental health.
“We meet a lot of people on the worst days of their lives, and we get a chance to make an impact on them,” she shared.
Wilkinson finds fulfillment in being there for her community, whether she’s providing support in domestic violence situations or simply listening to someone in need of comfort.
She especially enjoys interacting with children and participating in activities like school visits, Easter egg hunts, and Nerf wars. She enjoys answering their questions about her police gear and playing games with them. She hopes her connection with the younger generation will help build trust and create a positive relationship between law enforcement and the community.
As a woman in a predominantly male field, Wilkinson is aware of the challenges but encourages other women to pursue careers in law enforcement.

“It’s a mental battle sometimes, but if you have the right resources and the right people to vent to, it makes all the difference.”
She hopes to see more women in leadership roles and believes diverse perspectives can enhance law enforcement’s effectiveness.
Wilkinson wants the community to know that the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is there to help.
“We have a very supportive community, and we’re here to provide resources and assistance to those in need,” she said.
Wilkinson’s dedication, compassion, and strength make her a true hero in Franklin County. She upholds the values and courage of her childhood and inspires the next generation of women in law enforcement.
Through her service, she inspires the next generation to step into the light, wear their badge with pride, and bring their unique strengths to the forefront in making their community a safer and brighter place. GN