Racine County deputy; ASL skills, kindness impress family of deaf child

UNION GROVE, Wis. - A Racine County sheriff's deputy is being recognized for going the extra mile to serve the public.

Racine County Deputy Sheriff Preston Kite is the only law enforcement agent in the county who knows American Sign Language, and on Nov. 2, he saw an opportunity to spread the word.

"The other day I was in Union Grove I was patrolling, and I saw the signs that say for deaf children," said Kite. 

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A post on the Racine County Sheriff's Office Facebook page says on Nov. 2, Deputy Preston Kite: "went to the house, knocked on the door, and contacted the child’s father. Deputy Kite explained that he is proficient in American Sign Language, and if his son would like to meet him, Deputy Kite offered to stop by later when the child was home. Deputy Kite provided the father with his business card and contact information. Deputy Kite encouraged the father to reach out to him if he could ever be of assistance with his son."

"I use it pretty often, actually," said Kite. "You’d be surprised. My supervisor said he was surprised at how many deaf people live in the county before I worked here. He was surprised."

Kite also serves as a resource office for neighboring counties, stepping in with his ASL skills when needed. "

"Whenever they encounter somebody who is deaf or hard of hearing that I can help with assisting with sign language," he added.

In the Facebook post, Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling issued the following statement: 

"Deputy Kite is an excellent example of how deputies use their unique skills and talents to serve the community."

The Union Grove family also took to Facebook to post a thank-you to Deputy Kite.

Deputy Kite encourages more law enforcement to learn how to communicate with the deaf or head of hearing with techniques such as visible lip-reading.