Amarillo Rotary South names McBroom as 2024 Randall County Deputy of the Year

Yahoo

28-02-2025

Surrounded by colleagues, friends, and members of Amarillo Rotary South, Randall County Sheriff's Office Deputy Ronna McBroom was honored Thursday morning as the 2024 Rotary South Deputy of the Year.
McBroom's remarkable 21-year career with Randall County spans nearly every division of the Sheriff's Office — dispatch, corrections, transport, and patrol — exemplifying her dedication to serve the community she calls home.
Deputy McBroom launched her career with Randall County in 2004 as a communications officer, then spent a year working in the Randall County Jail before returning to dispatch in 2007. During her time in telecommunications, she earned an Advanced Telecommunicator Certification, trained as a tactical dispatcher, and was deployed to the Gulf Coast for Hurricane Harvey, where she delivered vital communication support under extreme circumstances.
Her drive to grow and adapt led her to jail transport in 2022, followed by a move to Randall County Patrol in 2023. Since joining patrol, McBroom has taken on additional specialized duties: she is a certified Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) member and a Randall County Hostage Negotiator, often juggling all three roles in high-stress scenarios.
'She is one of only two deputies in our department who have worked in dispatch, corrections, and patrol,' noted Randall County Sheriff Christopher Forbis. 'She understands the challenges at each step — what dispatchers face on the phones, what corrections officers deal with in the jail, and now what it's like on patrol. That unique perspective brings our divisions together.'
Lt. Melvin Seymour of the Randall County Patrol Division nominated McBroom for the honor, emphasizing her calm nature, intelligence, and work ethic:
'Deputy McBroom is a vital member of the Randall County Patrol Division,' Seymour wrote in his nomination letter. 'She has received numerous commendations throughout her time with our office, and it's my honor to nominate her for this award.'
Sheriff Forbis echoed that praise.
'We don't get into this work for recognition, but it's always meaningful when someone outside our ranks notices the sacrifice and commitment,' he said. 'Amarillo Rotary South does a wonderful job supporting law enforcement, and they couldn't have picked a more deserving deputy.'
Growing up in Amarillo, McBroom admits she was a bit of a 'bad kid' in school. Her transformation into a respected deputy began somewhat unexpectedly when she was working at a local store in the county.
'I got to know several deputies who frequented the store,' she recalled. 'Seeing what they did every day — and how they helped people — motivated me to apply for a job at the jail. Although there weren't any openings at the time, I was offered a spot in dispatch. That's how it all began.'
From her early interest in law enforcement to the badges she's earned since, McBroom attributes her success to a determination to serve her community, no matter where she's assigned.
Accepting the Rotary South Deputy of the Year award, McBroom expressed gratitude for being recognized in her hometown.
'Any award means a lot, but this one is special because it comes from the community,' she said. 'I've been here for 21 years, and to be honored where I grew up is incredible.'
When asked about her most meaningful experience, she pointed to her deployment in South Texas for Hurricane Harvey: 'I'll never forget how different agencies came together after such a catastrophe. It was heartbreaking, but it showed the best of humanity — everyone pitching in to help people who had lost so much. It reminded me of exactly why I wanted to do this job in the first place: to help people when they need it most.'
As one of few women on patrol, McBroom encourages others — especially women — to follow their passion without fear.
'Don't let being a woman, your age, or any other factor stop you. If this is what you want to do, set your mind to it and go for it. When people see me in uniform now, they're shocked because I wasn't exactly the model student in school,' she joked. 'But we can all grow and make something positive of ourselves if we truly care about serving the community.'
Now officially named the 2024 Rotary South Deputy of the Year, Deputy McBroom continues on with her long career with the Randall County Sheriff's Office. Those who know her say the award is merely a snapshot of her daily devotion — a testament to her unwavering commitment to the people of Randall County.
'She's been one of the best employees we've ever had,' Sheriff Forbis said. 'Our community is safer and stronger with her on the team.'
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Rotary names Ronna McBroom as 2024 Randall County Deputy of the Year