Prior to retirement, my role was the Victim Assistance Coordinator. I have built solid relationships with both staff and the community. Location: Castle Rock, CO. We must also increase our community outreach programs. Thomas, a former Douglas County coroner and veteran of the Colorado State Patrol, is one of four Republican candidates for Douglas County sheriff. Counties, I can tell you how What are your plans for enforcing the Red Flag law? We have noticed you are using an ad blocking plugin in your browser. My daily work with college students preparing to enter the workforce has provided me with recruiting strategies. Cronyism, nepotism and authoritarianism permeate the structured leadership in DCSO. Anderson: Crime has several prevention levels: (Editors note: The Sheriffs Office disputes this claim, stating there is a higher number of responders and multiple teams that respond to calls). Weekly: We need to elect a sheriff who never forgot what it was like to do their jobs and will fight to ensure they have the resources they need to perform their jobs safely and effectively. ", "I have worked for and with Darren Weekly in several roles to include SWAT, Investigations and the Wellness Program. We take an oath to uphold the law, safeguard I thoroughly understand the workload of our staff in all divisions. "Any attempt to associate or connect me with the advocation of violence by another person is not only wrong, but purposefully reckless," Thomas said. DCSO works smarter to catch criminals preying on our community. I also want to expand partnerships with programs like the Douglas County Mental Health Initiative, which emphasize treatment rather than incarceration. My background, training and experience is unparalleled by any of the other candidates. Emerging technology should be explored. I will make sure assignments and promotions are fair and without political influences. I've given back to many programs, I'm an auctioneer and have raised money for: Ive served on many community business and nonprofit boards. Name: Michael Phibbs. He is my choice on the ballot and should be yours as well. Lora Thomas: Lora Thomas is a Colorado native and 30-year resident of Douglas County. This one involves Pennock Elementary. What made you interested in running for sheriff? I have worked in and led in the most critical roles within the sheriff's office. I have been entrusted by four different sheriffs to perform in key roles to make DCSO what it is today. On April 14, 1978, I was hired as the fourth officer in the agency serving as patrolman, corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, commander and acting chief of police. 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225Englewood, CO 80110 Thomas has signed a pledge offered to candidates and elected officials by FEC United which promises loyalty to conservative principles. They need to trust that the Sheriff has their back. Thomas: There must be thorough, systemic change in the culture of leadership. I will use that knowledge and experience to help find practical, proactive solutions to crime. They know I never forgot what it was like on the frontline handling dangerous calls, violent inmates or major cases. How will you address the threat of mass public shootings in the community? First pay and benefits must be comparable to other local agencies to attract the best staff. As sheriff, I will continue to work at maintaining excellent compensation while bringing a new day of pride, professionalism and integrity to the working environment. ", Board Member - Highlands Ranch Metro District, South Metro Fire Rescue, Highlands Ranch Law Enforcement Training Foundation, "As Douglas County continues to grow and crime is increasing at a rapid rate, we must elect a sheriff who is going to keep communities and schools the safest they can be, we feel Darren is that candidate who can lead Douglas County into the future with safety and security. I would use this law only in situations with "extreme risks" and if no other viable options are available to help individuals in crisis. The next sheriff should be selected based on experience and qualifications, not party affiliation. I will use that knowledge and experience to help find practical, proactive solutions to crime. As your sheriff, I will ensure these partnerships with other agencies continue and we will aggressively file cases on drug dealers. As a Commissioner I observed Darren in multiple roles regarding numerous issues. I will empower decision making up and down all levels of the chain of command, but with increased responsibility will also come increased accountability. I will evaluate salaries, benefits, and retirement for improvements and increase training from the current 50 annual hours up to the targeted goal of 135 annual hours. I want someone who truly has my husbands back and will do everything to protect him and our community while keeping the morale high for all who rightfully enforce the law. This is a known issue that current leaders at DCSO have not made a priority to address. As a sheriff I swear to uphold constitutional rights for all citizens. Jared Polis. Raised $341,000.00 at the Broadmoor to disseminate Bibles worldwide, Partnered with the cast of Duck Dynasty for charity, National Western Stock Show Board for Childrens Catch-a-Calf fundraiser. Ive always fought for pay and benefits and as the sheriff, will make sure their voices are heard. I have a good understanding of what makes a community become safer and thrive. If we fail to do that, employees will go to an agency that will be more accommodating to their personal lives. A strong leader is exactly what I see in Darren Weekly. Darren is the ONLY candidate that can successfully operate the jail division. There were many occasions when I was the head of Douglas County Republicans we needed law enforcement support. I will bring a new day of pride, professionalism and integrity to DCSO it will become a place where people are enthusiastic to work and where dedicated law enforcement personnel throughout the state will want to join. As Sheriff, I know he will continue to provide a strong law enforcement agency that also has sensitivity for victims of crime and all citizens of Douglas County. Having a truly diverse community advisory board can be an essential tool in building trust. My top priority is to put more uniformed deputies in marked cars on the street without raising the budget. He is regarded by many with much respect and support because of his unwavering integrity, dedication, compassion and experience. Im also a FEMA certified Type III incident commander for the Douglas County Incident Management Team and have real life experience handling major incidents in Douglas County. "As such, then you should have heard my response, which was clear and should need no clarification or editorial from you.". How will you address the threat of mass public shootings in the community? Im proud to endorse Darren Weekly to be the next Sheriff of Douglas County. Im a Colorado native. The candidates for Douglas County Sheriff faced each other in debate, attacking each other's history with the Omaha Police Department. The North Central Region All Hazards Region (NCR) manages the State Homeland Security Grant Program and organizes large-scale training exercises. During my 26-year career with the Colorado State Patrol, I developed a reputation as the go-to leader for marginal or underperforming operations/units and making them effective. How can the sheriff's office improve the relationship between law enforcement and thosewho feel they can't trust police? Ive lived in Douglas County for over 25 years. Fort Lupton: Economic development begins with swapping ideas, Garbage gets attention of Fort Lupton council, Another swatting incident, another false alarm in Brighton, Nominate a teenager for the Outstanding Youth Awards, Brighton, Commerce City police departments seek sex-assault suspect, Powered by Creative Circle Media Solutions. They knew that I am tough and no-nonsense, but fair, honest and square-dealing. While line level staff and mid-level management have excelled in keeping Douglas County the lowest crime rate in the front range, the past few years of extremely political leadership, recent hiring of ex-sheriffs who dont live in the county having no connection to it and politicized personnel decisions by upper management has left the office with a lack of leadership and placement of citizens and employees second. Weekly: I lead by example. As sheriff, it is my legal duty to effect service of process of court documents. Profession: Chief of police. One was delusional, firing shots inside his home. This group of highly-trained and highly-motivated detectives work narcotics cases all over Douglas County. Law enforcement in our nation and in our state is facing unique challenges never seen before. As commissioner, I have worked to improve the compensation of DCSO personnel, including pay increases, tier realignment and increased retirement benefits. The overwhelming majority of the commissioned and civilian staff of DCSO trust me to lead the organization into the future. ", Former Commander, Greenwood Village Police Department 11/19/2021, "Darren Weekly is highly respected by law enforcement officials throughout the State of Colorado. ", "Ive worked as a Reserve Deputy at Douglas County Sheriffs Office for nearly 29 years. There are positions within the organization that do not require a commissioned deputy. To run an agency that big we need a leader whose skills and experience go far beyond mere policing. What is the biggest challenge the sheriff's office is currently facing and how will you address it? Thomas declined to answer when asked if she would be comfortable with the United American Defense Force, a militia affiliated with FEC United, operating in Douglas County. My philosophy will never allow me to bend on our beautiful Constitution. DCSO has Community Response Teams where we pair a mental health clinician with a patrol deputy. I am a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment. Douglas County has a long history of excellent law enforcement. We must also ensure that when there is a concern or complaint, the matter is thoroughly investigated and documented. This group of highly-trained and highly-motivated detectives work narcotics cases all over Douglas County. Darren has decades of experience working in collaboration with officials from other agencies on major criminal investigations as well as emergency management. 1-303-566-4100. I also want to expand partnerships with programs like the Douglas County Mental Health Initiative, which emphasize treatment rather than incarceration. This must be done to ensure we reduce response times and improve the safety for everyone. They aggressively pursue all information on any fentanyl cases to identify both the dealers and users. DCSO does not stop until all leads regarding a threat have been exhausted. DCSO needs to get back to the fundamentals of law enforcement. He is knowledgeable and one of the nicest people with which to deal. I will put an immediate end to that. Im happily married and have one daughter. Communication and iInformation are effective and when streamlined directly to a small sheriffs investigative team, this is very powerful. I sought the most difficult assignments and complex cases possible to give me the knowledge and experience to one day lead the organization. Darren always stepped up and followed through. Republican candidates for Douglas County sheriff answer Q&As | Coloradocommunitymedia.com Republican candidates for Douglas County sheriff I will bring a new day of pride, professionalism and integrity to DCSO it will become a place where people are enthusiastic to work and where dedicated law enforcement personnel throughout the state will want to join. DCSO does not stop until all leads on the threat have been exhausted. I have established strong, long-term relationships throughout Douglas County to include local municipalities. Biography: Mike Phibbs is a third-generation Coloradan and seasoned law enforcement leader with 30 years of experience. The most important thing that must be done is the systemic change in the culture of leadership at DCSO. Anderson: As we know, fentanyl is a border crossing drug. Also 5 years as Executive Director of the County Sheriff's of Colorado. When possible, assign deputies take home cars, ensure their worth and value, fair promotional process and assignments that employees desire at every opportunity. You will be our next Sheriff, and you will make a positive difference in so many people's lives! LORA THOMAS patrolled the roads of Douglas County every day for seven of her 26 years as a Colorado State Trooper. 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225Englewood, CO 80110 Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Sheriff Darren Weekly In office since Jan. 2023 / Term Expires Jan. 2027 An annual salary of $167,606. November 8, 2022. Design features could be incorporated within schools to mitigate the consequences of shootings. Darren is a principled conservative. Biography: Im a Colorado native. In another case, the person posted he actively wanted to kill people. Overtime Exempt: No. Another candidate had no information available at all. I will advocate for school security and sheriffs office personnel to train together annually on critical incident response and unified critical incident management. Since I was a child, I wanted to be a law enforcement officer. Darren Weekly is that fighter. He has genuine concerns about the Law Enforcement profession and true concern for the community. DougCo Sheriffs Captain seeks top job Heather Willard / NewsBreak Denver. I was the County Sheriffs of Colorado representative on the Public Safety Communications Subcommittee for the state which ensured collaborative efforts and steering of legislation affecting public safety communications, but I lacked the authority to stand on my own position. I will advocate for school security and sheriffs office personnel to train together annually on critical incident response and unified critical incident management. provide proper leadership and that is Darren Weekly. He has been a strong supporter of victim rights, innovative victim-centered programs, and law enforcement sensitivity to victim needs. I do not support the idea of arming teachers in Douglas County Schools. In May 2021, Kluth was fired. Weekly: I have more in-depth operational sheriffs office experience at nearly every level in every division of the organization. However, I believe that is where my legal duty re: Red Flag ends. Thomas was questioned about her links to FEC United by a citizen at Tuesday's Board of County Commissioners meeting. My son, after spending time in Iraq, serving his country, went to work for a police department in northern Colorado. DCSO does not stop until all leads on the threat have been exhausted. The flood of illegal drugs coming across our border is also something of which the sheriff has no control or role in addressing. Red Flag is a violation of our United States Constitution. We request you whitelist our site. My experience in nearly every commissioned position from Deputy Sheriff up to the rank of Captain makes me the most qualified candidate. The current Red Flag law violates rights and denies basic constitutional guarantees, denies the accused a defense, has nothing to do with mental health and does nothing to help someone alleged to have a mental health issue. Weekly: i have a good understanding of what makes a community safer! 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