Sgt. Jason Drouin, York County Jail
Where did you grow up and go to school?
I grew up in York County and graduated from Sanford High School and the Corrections program at Maine Criminal Justice Academy. I have taken numerous continuing courses in corrections and leadership.
What do you like most about your current job?
I like the responsibilities and challenges of being an Operations Sergeant. I have accomplished a lot in my career, like being an instructor for the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, where I teach others the importance of the job and how to be safe; I also guide all new supervisors through the challenges of supervising in a jail.
What I most enjoy is the team on my shift—my newly promoted Corporal and my First Shift line staff. They are the reason I come to work every day, and the challenges we face and overcome as a team are the true definition of a work family. I could not do this job without them.
What prompted you to seek employment with York County Government?
In 2008, a co-worker from a former job was talking about applying—he had a brother who worked there—and I thought it might be a good career to support my family. The pay was $16.80 an hour at the time, well over the $13 an hour 2008 median. I got hired and never looked back.
What did you do before joining York County government?
I ventured into a few different career paths since my youth. I worked at McDonald's for a couple of years, starting at age 15, and if you want a crash course in customer service, this is the job. I worked retail and warehouse jobs until my current career with York County. I dabbled in my family’s lunch truck business while working full-time, and it taught me what a 70-hour-a-week job entails. I was also in the Air National Guard at Pease Air Force Base, which was a great experience learning discipline, and it is an honor to be a veteran.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do?
I am 100 percent devoted to my family; we support each other and enjoy the same interests. Much of the year is filled with our daughter’s marching band, concerts, and drama club. One of my sons is in the automotive industry, and the other is in the U.S. Navy, and we all go to summer car shows, bike week, and races. My beautiful wife has her own motorcycle, and the boys do, and we all enjoy riding through the summer and fall. I have gained two amazing daughters-in-law and two grandchildren. We all enjoy visiting my wife’s mother and my parents so they can enjoy the extended family. What my wife and I enjoy most is watching our family grow and see all the accomplishments they’re making.
