Finding Purpose After a Life in Law Enforcement
A Journey of Service, Resilience, and Creativity
After nearly three decades of dedicated service in law enforcement, James Snow has embarked on a new chapter in his life, transitioning from his role as a sergeant with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department to becoming a full-time woodworker. With a career marked by leadership, mentorship, and resilience, James now channels his experiences into crafting beautiful wood pieces, finding peace and purpose in this creative pursuit. In this Q&A, James shares his journey, offering insights into his time in law enforcement and the passion that has guided him into his next adventure.
“You need to have a way to be able to get rid of that stress. I don’t know that you necessarily ever get rid of it, but you need to have a way to cope with it instead of just stuffing it down.”
Can you tell us a bit about your background and your career in law enforcement?
I am a retired sergeant from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. I did almost 28.5 years in law enforcement, working three different agencies in that time period.
What were some of the most memorable parts of your career?
Looking back on my career, probably the things that I remember the most and are the most memorable to me are the relationships that I was able to build throughout my career. The camaraderie, the promoting through the ranks, and becoming a supervisor, being able to mentor the younger generation.
How did you cope with the challenges and stresses of law enforcement?
You need to have a way to be able to get rid of that stress. I don't know that you necessarily ever get rid of it, but you need to have a way to cope with it instead of just stuffing it down. A lot of people end up having unhealthy coping mechanisms. Be it painkillers, be it alcohol.
What advice would you give to others in law enforcement about maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
I've always had these outlets that I've tried to go into to not let everything become who I am. I've taught college, and I've always taught my students: Keep the friends you have now, even if you end up going into law enforcement. The friends you have now are going to keep you grounded.
“Start living your life now while you’re still working. ”
Can you share how you transitioned from law enforcement to woodworking?
One of my buddy's grandpas gave him a bunch of woodworking tools. So after work, I'd hang out with him and we started building some real rudimentary furniture. And that passion for me kind of just took off.
What is it about woodworking that resonates with you?
When I'm involved in the woodworking process, there's really kind of a process for it where you sit down, pen and paper, and try and sketch out the different ideas. Then you go into the shop and actually make the piece, seeing what you've put on paper come to fruition. It's a real satisfying experience.
has woodworking helped you in your retirement?
The shop kind of became my refuge. With the chaos of the world, the chaos of work, to be able to come home and go out into the shop and just focus on whatever woodworking project I was working on—it would allow me to just focus on that one thing and get my mind off of all the myriad of things going on around you.
What advice do you have for those approaching retirement, especially for first responders?
Find that passion and embrace it. Because in the long run, what is the point of working until you're 50, 55, 60, and then only having 7 or 8 years left to actually live your life? Start living your life now while you're still working. Get those hobbies, get those passions, and start enjoying your life now.
You can follow more of James Snow’s work at www.snow-woodworks or on his Instagram Channel at @snow_woodworks.