The Louisiana Life Safety & Security Association is proud to announce Shelton Guerrero as the First-Place recipient of the 2025 LLSSA Youth Scholarship. Shelton is the son of Deputy Sheriff Matthew Guerrero and a shining example of service and commitment. Currently serving in the Louisiana Army National Guard, Shelton plans to begin his college journey at Northwestern State University in January 2026. The LLSSA Youth Scholarship Program honors the children of active-duty public safety personnel, and Shelton’s dedication to both his country and his education exemplifies the values we strive to support. Please join us in congratulating Shelton on this well-deserved achievement and wishing him continued success in his military and academic pursuits! Learn more about the LLSSA Youth Scholarship Program at llssa.org/benefits/scholarships.
We have shared his essay entry here:
Shelton Mateo Guerrero
2025 LA Life Safety and Security Association Scholarship Essay
The Privilege of Having a Sheriff Deputy as a Father
Having a parent who is a first responder is both a privilege and a profound responsibility. It means growing up with a unique perspective of the community in which one lives as well as a different view of the importance of service, integrity, and the greater good. For me, being raised by a Sheriff Deputy as a father has not only shaped my values but has also provided me with a foundation to make decisions that reflect the lessons I’ve learned from his example.
My father, a dedicated member of the Bossier Parish Sheriff Department, has shown me that protecting others requires more than just physical strength or courage-it demands empathy, commitment, and unwavering integrity. My father’s actions remind me daily that service to the community is not merely a job but a calling. I believe that all are called and equipped for service. Through my father’s dedication and service, I have come to understand the deep connections between individual actions and the well-being of the entire community.
One of the most significant lessons I have learned from my father is the importance of accountability. Whether responding to emergencies, supporting community initiatives, or mentoring younger colleagues, deputies embody a strong sense of responsibility to others. This sense of duty has not been lost on me. It has shaped how I approach many situations in my own life. For example, when I serve in the Kids Ministry at Airline Baptist Church or serve at Kidz Camp, I understand and am committed to ensuring more than just safety and well-being. I make it a point to ensure everyone’s voice is heard and that we are committed to our shared goals. I believe that my attitudes and actions have an impact on the final outcome of the event. I also believe that my role as a leader can have a profound impact on the young students I mentor. The experiences I have had in service to our Kids Ministry have taught me that accountability fosters trust and strengthens relationships. This is the path to great impact and great change in others’ lives.
Another powerful influence has been their ability to remain calm under pressure. Public safety work often involves high-stakes situations where quick thinking and composure are essential. Watching my father navigate these challenges has shown me the value of maintaining focus and resilience, even when faced with adversity. I’ve applied this lesson to my academic and extracurricular life. Playing five varsity sports while maintaining a 4.26 GPA takes much focus and perseverance. I have been in many high-pressure situations whether it be playing in a state championship ballgame, making a buzzer shot, or taking an AP exam. My ability to think quickly and calm my nerves helps in each of these. Watching my father handle high pressure situations has taught me that it is possible to remain composed and has shown me how to do that.
Perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned is the importance of service. My father’s commitment to helping others has inspired me to finq ways to contribute to my community, my church and my school. Whether it’s volunteering at local events, participating in neighborhood clean-ups, or mentoring younger students, I strive to emulate my father’s dedication. I have accrued over 250 hours of community service during my high school career. I have been involved with missions through my church – at home and overseas. I have also helped with numerous community events to foster a relationship between my school and our Bearkat community. I feel a call on my life to serve just like my father. I am enlisted in the LA Army National Guard and will leave right after graduation for basic training. Through the example of my father, I have realized that the greatest form of leadership is to lead through service. I plan on making a career as a servant leader as a commissioned officer in the guard.
As I continue to learn and grow, I carry these lessons with me, striving to live a life that reflects the values my father has modelled and taught me. Whether it’s pouring into the lives of others, stepping up to lead, or remaining resilient in the face of challenges, I aim to honor my father’s legacy by following in his footsteps to protect and serve my community. Having a parent involved in the public safety community means being part of something larger than myself. It means understanding the importance of composure, perseverance, accountability, and service and striving to embody those values in my daily life. My father’s example has been a guiding light, shaping my character and inspiring me to make decisions that reflect his own dedication and integrity. For me, it is both and a responsibility to carry forward the lessons my father has taught me and, in turn, pass them on to future generations.