What You Should Expect From Me

Dear Valley County,

As I sit at my desk this afternoon, the 31st of December 2018, to consider what might be important to convey to the residents of Valley County, I can not help but consider where we have come from. In a short time, I will be taking Retired Sheriff Vernon Buerkle home to drop him off.

How weird it must feel for him, after over 40 years of service in this county, to watch his patrol vehicle drive away. To say his final “off shift” to dispatch over the radio. Sheriff Buerkle, like those who came before him, gave his best effort every day to fulfill the mission statement of the Valley County Sheriff’s Office. I will miss hearing the many stories that he would share about law enforcement during his 40 years of service.

I have heard some in the community who are critical of the Sheriff’s Office and some critical of Sheriff Buerkle. Personally, I have not worked with a more dedicated, loyal, fair, honest, or respectful man. A man that would give you the shirt off his back, cares about your well-being, and supports your success. To those who are critical, I am reminded of a saying “He who jumps into the void owes no explanation to those who stand and watch.” I would be honored to jump into the void with Sheriff Buerkle, any day, any crisis, any moment.

As I look forward to tomorrow, I am excited about the direction of the Sheriff’s Office. We, as a group of co-workers, have experienced and worked through the heartache and disappointment of a co-worker’s poor choices, criminal choices to be exact. Criminal choices that frankly place the most vital component of a law enforcement officers’ oath to the community in jeopardy of elimination, Integrity.

Yes, as an officer I believe we are held to the highest standard. In the coming days we will have a staff meeting where I will convey my expectations, specific to Montana Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), ARM 23.13.203 (i) “I will at all times ensure that my character and conduct is admirable and will not bring discredit to my community, my agency, or my chosen profession.”

In an effort to be transparent in Valley County I hope to continue to present thoughts from my desk on a frequent basis. As of Jan. 1, the position of Undersheriff for the Valley County Sheriff’s Office will be vacant until the time I have found and fully vetted the right candidate for this position.

At the same time, our current staffing will be short three full time deputies. However, we have hired a new deputy, Scott McCroskey, from Washington; recently honorably discharged from the Army. Scott will be attending the Montana Law Enforcement Academy beginning Jan. 6. I am excited for the addition to our office as Scott brings five years of military police service to our team.

In closing, I am honored to serve Valley County as the next Sheriff/Coroner. I am excited for the future and what it will hold. Happy (safe) New Year to all.

Respectfully,

Sheriff Tom Boyer