A wooden cross rests in a special place inside Deputy Dexter Cross’ patrol vehicle. Its creator was a young girl whose mother was being battered. The girl made the cross from popsicle sticks and twine, and gave it to Deputy Cross after he helped the family escape their abuser. The cross serves as a daily reminder to Cross of the importance of his work to help domestic violence victims reach safety.

As a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Domestic Violence Investigator, Deputy Cross has assisted hundreds of abused men, women and children with finding temporary shelters and permanent solutions to their problems. Deputy Cross also offers those he serves a sympathetic ear.

“I’ve learned to be more compassionate and to be as helpful as
I can with the victims,” states Deputy Cross. “There are so many heartbreaking stories out there. You need to listen with sympathy,

and treat them as they should be treated – with kindness.” A cross for Cross. He wears it well.