DANA E. FRANKENBURG | One on One Former deputy finds satisfaction in treating offenders

Did you find law enforcement satisfying?
I did, very much so. I had come from a law enforcement family with my father [Raymond] in law enforcement at the Grove City Police Department for a number of years and then on to the Pennsylvania Crime Commission. He was a regional administrator for that agency. I did find the work rewarding, certainly in terms of the investigative work.
Why did you make such a big change in your vocation?
At the time, my position was being cut from the sheriff's department, which kind of forced my hand. I had applied for the then-executive director's position of the Mercer County Drug & amp; Alcohol Commission [later the Behavioral Health Commission]. I guess I was ready for a change in that I was ready to go beyond the grass roots level of the enforcement end of the business to more of an administrative end.
I had been associated with helping folks who we had arrested to seek out treatment. This was an opportunity to take on that side of it.
Who has most influenced your life?
I'd have to say my parents: my father in his integrity and establishing standards for that and his leadership potential in business, and my mother [Jane] for her overall outlook on life and her courage.
What do you like best about Grove City?
I think the small town atmosphere. It's easy to pick up and drive anywhere you want to go, and I think it offers a good deal of amenities to raise a family in that environment.
What is your favorite food?
A good steak.
What's your favorite restaurant?
Applebee's. Never had a bad meal.
Do you have a favorite movie?
"True Grit." I'm just a John Wayne fan and have had many opportunities working with the Department of Public Welfare and so forth creating this organization that sometimes reminds me of the classic scene of John Wayne in the movie with the reins grabbed in his teeth and shooting the bad guys.
What is his famous line just before he charges the bad guys?
"Fill your hands, you ..."
Where do you go to get away from it all?
Fishing. Any body of water that I can take my boat on. Fishing is my passion.
Any particular fishing?
Bass fishing. In another life, I ran the state Pennsylvania Bass Federation, an organization of some 2,000 members, some 200 clubs, for two years. That was in the early '90s.
What music do you like?
I'd have to say primarily country, but Jimmy Buffett music I listen to and Bon Jovi.
Do you have a religious philosophy?
Each and every day we have to answer to God, our family and then whoever we might be associated with. Ultimately, what we do today on earth is insignificant as compared to what our being will be in the afterlife. And so, ever more reason to do the right thing the right way every day that we're on earth.
What do you like to read?
I like to read management-related articles associated with effectively managing people. On the lighter side, I like to read fishing magazines to continue to work on that science.
What do you do to relax?
Fish and spend time with family. It's very rewarding to be a parent and to stay involved in what your kids are involved in.
Do you have other hobbies?
Hunting and just working outside around the house.
Of anyone who has ever lived, who would you like to have breakfast with and why?
Former President George Bush. I thought that he was a good president that was cut short in his time just because of political timeliness. I thought he was a good leader. He shared a passion of mine and that was fishing. I saw him as a great man of integrity and feelings.
What is it about Dana Frankenburg that you would like people to know?
I do consider myself a good father and a good husband. I want to consider myself a good administrator who is loyal to what Mercer County has done through the years. I'm not a bad fisherman, also.