Meet Leslie Green: A Role Model for Change 

Born and raised in Omaha, Leslie Green has spent 26 years transforming lives as a teacher at the Douglas County Youth Center. His journey began humbly, working as a juvenile detention technician for two years before stepping into the classroom. That transition wasn’t just a career move—it was a calling.

“Technically, I’m a social studies teacher,” he says with a smile. “But if the kids have questions about anything, I help them. Whatever they need help with, I’m there.”

For Green, teaching is about far more than academics. “Even more than social studies and math, I think it’s important that they see me as a man who looks like them—a role model, an uncle, a father figure," he said. "Someone who respects them. That’s what they need most.”

Green’s work is driven by moments of connection. “Most people dread going to work, but for me, it’s about what I leave with. Did someone hear what we had to say today? Did we impact a life? That’s what matters.”

His teaching philosophy centers on relevance. He doesn’t just teach history or math—he makes them meaningful. “I love talking to the kids about life skills, money, and personal finance," Green said. "I try to take every subject and make it relevant to their lives right now.”

Green’s commitment is rewarded in small but powerful ways. “When a kid says, ‘Man, you really helped me,’ it makes you think, I can do another day. Those affirmations keep us going as teachers.”

Reflecting on his career, it’s the little moments that resonate most. “When I run into former students and hear how their lives have changed for the better, those are the greatest moments," Green said. "That’s what keeps me going.”

Leslie Green isn’t just a teacher. He’s a guide, a mentor, and a source of hope for kids searching for a better path. After 26 years, his passion remains unwavering. “It’s not about what I teach. It’s about how I make them feel and what I inspire them to see in themselves.”

Meet Lt. Brian Parizek: A Public Servant at Heart

Lt. Brian Parizek has been an integral part of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office since November 30, 1998—but his law enforcement career began even earlier, in Norfolk, Nebraska, in 1992. Since his first day as a police officer, Lt. Parizek has been driven by a deep passion for public service, a path he discovered during his college years.

“Originally, I was studying engineering,” he shared. “But I realized that wasn’t for me. I wanted to do something in public service, and that’s how I found my way to law enforcement.”

Over the past 26 years, Lt. Parizek has worn many hats at the Sheriff’s Office. From patrol and courts to warrants—and even 14 years on the SWAT team—his career has been marked by versatility and commitment. After serving as a sergeant for nine years, he was promoted to lieutenant nearly three years ago. Today, he serves as the Crisis Negotiation Team Commander and recently transitioned to his new role in the Court Services Bureau.

Lt. Parizek describes his current role with enthusiasm:
“I’m in charge of two security divisions for the Public Building Complex—the internal security team you see every day when you visit for services and the building security team that monitors the complex 24/7. We also manage alarms for many city and county offices.”

When asked what he loves most about his job, his response was immediate:
“It’s the people. My fellow brothers and sisters in law enforcement are the best part of coming to work. Of course, we get to help people—even when it’s not always the help they want—but working with such a dedicated team makes this career so fulfilling.”

As Lt. Parizek celebrates 26 years of service with Douglas County, we honor his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to public safety. Thank you, Lt. Parizek, for your outstanding service and for being an invaluable member of the Douglas County family!

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RETIREMENTS

• Nicholas Stella - Corrections

• Marlene Boicourt - Register of Deeds

• Beverly Chatmon - Youth Center

PROMOTIONS

• Gary Stallworth - Health Center

• Shauna Brayman - Community Mental Health Center

• Felecia McDougald - Corrections

• Ibrahim Hassan - Corrections

• Susanna Nunes - Register of Deeds

• Michelle Evans - Clerk of the District Court

• Tiffany Hotz - Clerk of the District Court