Gunnison Valley High School recently got a new school resource officer, Vince Buege.
Officer Buege grew up in Salina and graduated from North Sevier High School. After high school he attended Universal Technical Institute, where he studied automotive/diesel mechanics.
He is married and has two kids, whom he says are growing up way too fast. In his spare time, his hobbies and interests are spending time outdoors and working on old vehicles. Prior to getting into law enforcement, he worked in industrial maintenance and refrigeration, and then he tried out working in an open pit mine.
“After a few years in the mining industry, I decided to start a career in law enforcement because I want to help and serve the community,” said Officer Buege.
He started his law enforcement career at Central Utah Correctional Facility and just recently finished with his L.E.O. portion of post to become a Certified Peace Officer.
He said that he wanted to be a school resource officer for a couple different reasons. One was to help deter youth from a life of crime and help them be a model to make good decisions. Second is to be there for kids who may not have a voice, and to be a positive influence.
So far the hardest part of the job was getting through the academy, he said.
“One thing I would like to say to the kids at the schools is that I always have their best interest in mind, and they can come and talk to me about anything,” he said.
When students see him around, they can always say hi and talk to him. He wants them to know that he is their friend.
He said that one of the best parts about the job is getting to know the students and just being in the schools. He also likes the impact that can be made by being a positive influence.
He wants every student to know that they are an equal partner in making and keeping our schools safe. If you see something, say something—“we all have to do our part.”
“I look forward to a fun and exciting school year and for many years to come,” said Buege.
Principal Gene King at GVHS said that he is excited to have Officer Buege in the building.
“Officer Buege works hard and is a willing learner,” said King. “Those are two skills that he will need to put to work for the first few years as he learns not only the policy and procedure, but the subtle nuances of being a law enforcement officer in a school setting.”
King said that he has already been a great deal of help and that the school looks forward to having his influence in the school for years to come.
