This past week was National Law Enforcement week. We use this time to recognize our men and women who are so very dedicated to protect all of us day in and day out. We also use this time to remember those who so bravely gave the ultimate sacrifice just doing what they love best.

As your sheriff I have had the pleasure serving with the men and women of the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office as well as those who work in our fellow agencies, Salida Police, Buena Vista Police, Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management and the Department of Corrections and most recently the Colorado Bureau of Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. I can honestly say I/we are very fortunate to have these men and women protecting us.

Over the past year the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office has faced some very taxing incidents, the loss of our brother Roy Williams, the Decker Fire and now the Suzanne Morphew investigation and search.  These incidents have tested our abilities and our commitment to duty but through all of this I have never been prouder to be associated with a finer crew of dedicated men and women. We are so very fortunate in a small community to have people who will run into the fire or line of fire as others run away, This includes our dispatchers, our detentions officers, and our records personnel.

I want to extend a huge thank you for all you have done. I truly feel that the best organization is only as good as those carrying the day in and day out burden. For that I THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

Respectfully

John A. Spezze

Chaffee County Sheriff