Jake Provenzano is a man with many interests.
The 2019 Newman University graduate received his pilot’s license in 2020 and purchased a two-seat aircraft at the same time. He also loves anything with two wheels, so riding motorcycles has been a pastime of his for several years. He’s an avid bowler, too, which is part of the reason he chose to pursue his bachelor’s degree at Newman.
“Coach Billy Murphy recruited me from a very young age to bowl for him, and this is what made me attend,” Provenzano said. “On top of Newman being an extremely reputable school as well, it was a no-brainer to attend.”
Provenzano majored in criminal justice as he knew he wanted a career in law enforcement. After graduating in 2019, he became a patrol officer for the Wichita Police Department.
“Working with the WPD was an amazing experience,” Provenzano said. “I was able to get involved in many situations that taught me a lot about community relations, as well as how serious crime is in Wichita. The people I worked with were amazing, and I had a few good supervisors. It was a great experience, and I am a much smarter and more experienced deputy because of my time with Wichita.”
Last May, he left that job and started working at Jay Hatfield Motorsports, a local motorcycle dealership, and also pursued more training in aviation.
In October, the call to return to law enforcement came.
“I was approached by a supervisor with the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office and decided to get back into my original passion, which is law enforcement, and am now a sheriff’s deputy with them,” Provenzano said.
He feels that his role with the sheriff’s office is the right fit for him.
“Harvey County has great leadership in my opinion, and I am interacting with my sheriff almost on a daily basis, as well as my supervisors,” Provenzano explained. “I almost feel like my presence is really appreciated with the county. That alone speaks volumes to me and makes me excited to get in my car at the beginning of every shift.”
He added, “I’m so thankful that God put me in this position, and I am going to make the most of it for years to come.”
A life of law enforcement
For students at Newman who might be interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, Provenzano’s advice is to take it day by day.
“The job is a grind, no doubt about it, and there are some situations that make you appreciate where you are in life,” he said. “But there are also situations where you have the chance to make a difference in someone’s life, which is an amazing feeling. Don’t let the spark in you die.”
Provenzano is willing to chat with students or anyone interested to share more about what a career in law enforcement is like.
There are situations where you have the chance to make a difference in someone’s life.”
Jake Provenzano
“I’m a very open individual and am always open for conversation,” he said. “I would love to answer questions for anyone who is curious about the job and am excited to get more people involved in such a great and rewarding career.”
Earn a Criminal Justice Degree
The study of criminal justice at Newman University prepares students to transform society. Providing a variety of quality content, experiences and career guidance, Newman University’s Criminal Justice Program stands apart from the rest.
