Walk through our Customer Service area on any given day, and you’re likely to find Debbie Jarrard hard at work, going the extra mile to help a customer with patience and care. She’s not just a longtime employee. She’s a guide, a voice of calm, and the kind of person who makes things feel just a little bit easier.
Debbie began her career at the Clerk’s Office in July 2001. “It’s been a long time,” she laughs, trying to pinpoint the exact date. Back then, she was handling felony intake in the criminal department. She learned a lot, but Debbie was highly motivated.
“I wanted to learn more,” she says. So she moved into Customer Service. From there, it was a steady climb through different Divisions – Criminal intake, back to Customer Service, and even helping with the new call center.
Debbie is the kind of person who says “yes” to challenges. She likes figuring things out. She thrives when she’s learning. And more than anything, she loves helping people.
“I really like to help them get through whatever situation they come in the door with,” she says, beaming. Her favorite moments are when people walk in overwhelmed and walk out with a sense of direction. “You can see the weight lift off their shoulders.”
Exceling as a Customer Care Clerk means knowing a little bit of everything – criminal, civil, family law – you name it. And while she can’t give legal advice, she’s become a master at explaining the process. She knows where to point people, who to call, and what steps come next.
Sometimes, it’s emotional. “We get people in tears,” she says. “They’re scared. They’re dealing with divorces, court dates, big life changes. I just try to be reassuring. Let them know they’re not alone.”
Recently Debbie became involved in assisting SJSO in their reentry program. She visits with inmates about to be released, helping them with guidance on clearing their driver licenses to get back on track. “They are so grateful,” she recalls. “They just need someone to help them through the process.”
Then there’s the Call Center, now a year old. It’s different from in-person service. Harder, sometimes. “A lot of people aren’t tech-savvy,” she says. “You can’t just hand them a form. You have to walk them through it, slowly, over the phone.”
“Debbie truly exemplifies what it means to be a Customer Care Clerk,” says Customer Care Director, Stacy Vaughn. “She has a positive, upbeat attitude and never says no to taking on new tasks.”
“Debbie plays a vital role in strengthening our team through her knowledge, guidance, and practical experience,” Stacy says.
Debbie isn’t just dedicated to her job – she’s rooted in her community. Born and raised in St. Johns County, she’s seen the County change, grow, and evolve. “I love the historical downtown,” she says. She’s not much of a beach person, but she lights up when she talks about family road trips and summer adventures.
With three boys, and one about to graduate, life is shifting. “They all have their own jobs now. It’s getting harder to plan things together,” she says, staring down the reality of an almost-empty nest.
So what comes next? Debbie’s not quite sure, but she’s open to it. She likes swimming, camping (the glamping kind), and traveling when she can. And who knows? Maybe this new chapter will bring even more learning – and more ways to help.
Debbie might not wear a cape, but she’s a hero in her own right. Dependable, constant, and deeply kind.
Just the way the Clerk’s Office needs her to be.
