Photos for Headline Surfer® / DELAND, Fla. -- Deputy Sheriff Mike Coffin has a grown daughter and two grandchildren among his offspring, but because they live out of state, he has devoted much of his personal time mentoring young people despite his many demands as second in command of the largest cop shop in Volusia County with 460-plus sworn personnel.
Coffin, in fact, has devoted countless hours to mentoring of students at DeLand High School over the years.
Earlier this year, Coffin was recognized by the Futures Foundation for Volusia County Schools with the prestigious "Take Stock in Children Mentor of the Year" award for his unselfish efforts.
The award is given to an individual who "exemplifies the spirit of mentoring," and gives of their "time and wisdom to help young people succeed in school and life."
"I consider DeLand to be my home and I want to give back," Coffin, 54, told Headline Surfer®, adding that though he was born in Silver Springs, Md., his family moved to DeLand when he was a toddler and he, too, received his public education in the DeLand schools and then going off to college and earning his bachelor's and two master's degrees.
"I consider DeLand to be my home and I want to give back," Coffin, 54, told Headline Surfer®, adding that though he was born in Silver Springs, Md., his family moved to DeLand when he was a toddler and he, too, received his public education in the DeLand schools and then going off to college and earning his bachelor's and two master's degrees.
Coffin doesn't get a boost in pay for going the extra mile with efforts like this and whatever time is devoted during the day he makes up for either by reporting to work at a later time of the day or night and weekends, if necessary.
Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson looks to Coffin to set the example for the rest of the sworn personnel and Coffin said he wouldn't have it any other way.
Futures Foundation