GULF SHORES - A new day at work is a new adventure for Juvenile Officer Billy Berrey of the Gulf Shores Police Department.

Berrey is pretty much involved with any case that deals with someone under the age of 18.

"A lot of guys that are in investigation may only work burglaries or financial crimes, with juveniles I get to do a lot of stuff because they get into a lot," said Berrey, who's been with GSPD since 1999.

He believes that issues surrounding alcohol and drugs are most prevalent among juveniles today.

"The most rewarding part of my job in dealing with juveniles is that it's the one spot where you can really make a difference," said Berrey.

The 2001 and 2002 Officer of the Year will quickly let you know that he has a passion for law enforcement, citing his ability to help others by solving cases. He was nominated as Officer of the Year in Baldwin County for 2003, 2004, and 2007 by the Perdido Optimist Club.

Berrey has found another way to help becoming involved with a program based in Houston, Texas called Youth Reach. The program serves at-risk youth 12 to 21 years of age needing help in a variety of situations. Berrey says he became involved with the program about 4 years ago when a juvenile asked for help. Since that time the outcry of others and their parents has snowballed.

The program has received 35 male youths from Baldwin County in the past 4 years. Berrey estimates that 65 percent of the bed space in the Houston facility has been used to house youths from Baldwin County. Area response to the program has prompted the construction of Youth Reach Gulf Coast which is slated to open in the fall.

The program, free of charge to the youths and their families, is currently equipped to only receive male youths but has made females a priority of it's 5 year plan.

Born in Mobile, Berrey says he grew up spending most summers at his grandfather's house in Gulf Shores, before Brookley Field closed in the late 60's sending his family to Corpus Christi, Texas. There he would finish out his childhood getting his first paying job as a grocery store clerk.

Berrey served in ministry for 20 years, entering law enforcement in 1994 as chaplain of the Aransas County Sheriff's Department in Texas. He also had a stint as an officer on the University of South Alabama campus, before moving to Gulf Shores. Berrey and his wife Leslie of 28 years have 4 children: Avery, Cassandra, Andrew, and Nolan.

"I really enjoy living near the beach, there's nothing like being able to surf and fish with my family," said Berrey.

If you would like more information on Youth Reach Houston and Youth Reach Gulf Coast, visit www.youth-reach.org