Essentials: Austin Petro

GREENSBURG – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many Decatur County residents remain “locked-down” in their homes waiting for the threat to pass.

There are others, those deemed essential because of their jobs, who remain on the job and in harm’s way. Austin Petro, an officer at the Decatur County Detention Center for nearly four years, is one of those people.

He cites his parents as people he admires.

“I’m just very blessed that I had such great parents growing up,” Austin said. “Others haven’t been so lucky.”

He hopes to one day work as a road patrol officer, but indicated he enjoys his current position for at least a couple of reasons.

“The group of people that I get the privilege of working with and getting to know are from all walks of life,” he said. “I [also] like doing my part in rehabilitating inmates, getting to see them realize that there’s much more to life than being incarcerated.”

Seeing those previously arrested return to jail is one of the things about his vocation he likes least.

“I’ve been seeing the same individuals come in and out of jail over the last 3.5 years,” he said. “I want nothing but the best for them when they are released, so it makes your heart hurt a little bit when they speak so highly of themselves and how they are going to improve their lives upon their release and then they don’t.”

Austin enjoys spending time with family, playing golf, discovering new music and playing music.

When asked, he said he doesn’t necessarily want to be remembered for any one thing in particular.

“I just hope the advice and good vibes that I instill in others remains and carries on through them, and I hope they do the same for others,” he said.

Austin is not married and has no children.

He is the son of local residents Chad and Natalie Petro.