My name is Gregory A. Priddy, I am a Deputy Sheriff in Ohio, and I am currently pursuing a degree Forensic Psychology with the goal of building a career rooted in public service, justice, and accountability. I am motivated by a strong belief that ethical, evidence-based work has the power to protect communities, safeguard individual rights, and ensure that truth remains central to the justice process. My academic and professional interests are centered on forensic science and investigative work, particularly the careful collection, documentation, and interpretation of evidence. I am drawn to this field because it demands precision, integrity, and objectivity, qualities that are essential when people’s lives, freedom, and reputations are at stake. Through my coursework, I have developed a growing appreciation for how scientific methodology strengthens investigations and prevents errors that can undermine justice. I plan to make a positive impact on the world by contributing to investigative efforts that emphasize fairness, accuracy, and ethical responsibility. Whether working in a forensic laboratory, supporting law enforcement investigations, or collaborating with justice-oriented organizations, my goal is to ensure that evidence is handled properly and that conclusions are based on facts rather than assumptions. I believe that maintaining high professional standards not only supports individual cases but also strengthens public trust in the justice system as a whole. Beyond technical skills, I am committed to approaching my career with empathy and respect for those affected by crime and investigation. Many individuals encounter the justice system during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I believe that professionals working behind the scenes, particularly in forensic roles, have a responsibility to act with care, impartiality, and professionalism. By doing so, I hope to contribute to outcomes that are both legally sound and morally responsible. The Robert F. Lawson Fund represents values that closely align with my own dedication to service, ethical conduct, and lifelong learning. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue my education with greater financial stability, enabling me to focus more fully on my academic goals and professional development. It would also reinforce my commitment to using education as a tool for meaningful service rather than personal advancement alone. Ultimately, my goal is to build a career that contributes positively to my community and the broader justice system. I am committed to continuous learning, accountability, and upholding the principles that ensure fairness and truth remain at the heart of forensic and investigative work. With the support of the Robert F. Lawson Fund, I will continue working toward a career that honors these values and makes a lasting, positive impact.

I did not choose my career path from a classroom. I chose it from the field, standing face to face with people at some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Early in my law enforcement career, I learned that many of the situations officers respond to are not driven solely by criminal intent, but by fear, trauma, untreated mental illness, or crisis. Those experiences made it clear to me that enforcing the law without understanding human behavior leaves a dangerous gap in justice. I currently serve with the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office while pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology. I chose this field because it allows me to bridge public safety and mental health, two areas that are deeply connected but too often addressed separately. Forensic psychology provides the tools to understand why people behave the way they do under stress, how mental illness influences decision-making, and how systems can respond more effectively and ethically. This knowledge directly strengthens my ability to serve my community with clarity, restraint, and accountability. My experience in the mental health field has come primarily through hands-on exposure rather than a clinical office. In law enforcement, I regularly encounter individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, emotional dysregulation, and crisis-related behavior. These encounters have taught me the importance of de-escalation, communication, and recognizing warning signs that may not be immediately visible. Academic coursework in psychology, ethics, and criminology has given me the theoretical framework to better understand these interactions, while real-world experience has shown me the human cost when mental health needs go unmet. Balancing full-time law enforcement work with college has required discipline and perseverance. I progressed from freshman to senior standing in a short period of time while completing rigorous coursework in forensic investigation, psychology, ethics, and criminal justice. Managing rotating shifts, court obligations, and academic deadlines has strengthened my resilience and reinforced my belief that education is essential to effective public service. My future goal is to advance into investigative and forensic roles that integrate psychology, evidence-based practices, and ethical leadership. I aim to contribute to the criminal justice system in a way that prioritizes accountability while recognizing the role mental health plays in behavior and outcomes. Whether through investigations, assessments, or policy-informed practices, I want my work to reflect both precision and compassion. The Ethan To Scholarship would allow me to continue my education with greater focus and impact. It represents an opportunity to further develop the knowledge and skills needed to improve outcomes for individuals in crisis and strengthen trust between the public and the justice system. Through continued education, I intend to be part of a future where public safety and mental health are not competing priorities, but complementary responsibilities.

Always wanting to make a difference steered me into a career in Law Enforcement. "Be the change you want to see," as the adage goes. Starting out as an emergency dispatcher in 2018 furthered my interest in law enforcement, which led to me attending the police academy in 2022 after being hired as a cadet from a pool of applicants. I have been employed as a peace officer ever since, and I love my job and the people I get to meet every day. My future goals include working as a forensic investigator for the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) after obtaining a degree in Forensic Psychology. I would use that knowledge, along with my experience as a peace officer, to help better understand the motives of offenders and help victims reach justice in what could be their most tragic time. While I have not worked directly in the mental healthcare field, I have worked alongside many of those who are in the mental healthcare field. It has become an interest of mine, to not only assist those in need in a law enforcement capacity, but to better understand those who do what they do, why they do it, and how to rehabilitate and help if possible. Understanding all of these things not only makes me a better police officer, but also helps in rehabilitating the offenders, and restoring the victims by providing a sense of closure and justice. Thank you in advance for your time, reading my essay, and learning a little bit about my background, and my experiences. I hope to hear from you soon! Pursuing a degree in Forensic Psychology would not only prepare me for such a career, but would help me further myself within my law enforcement organization, and further pursue my goals of being an Investigator for the Ohio BCI. I started in public safety as a dispatcher in 2018, and ever since, have had a love for serving my community, and doing what I can in any way, shape, or form to make sure every call for service is given more than adequate attention and resources, as to ease the burden off of anyone who may need emergency services, whether it be a relatively minor issue, or the worst day of someone's life. Being able to make a difference has become a part of who I am, and who I hope continue to be, both personally and professionally.