Letter to the Editor VDN - Why Staffing Retention is a Key Issue

Thank you for the Oct. 9 coverage of staffing at the Eagle County Sheriff's Office. I'd like to add some perspective from someone who worked there.

I served in the Sheriff's Office for 17 years, from 2005 to 2022, helping build a dedicated team of deputies, detention staff, victim services and administrative professionals. When those people leave, they take years of trusted relationships, community goodwill and institutional knowledge with them.

Turnover also affects coverage and response times. The Sheriff's Office serves as the police department for Gypsum and Minturn and covers unincorporated areas including Edwards, Cordillera, Wolcott, Bond and McCoy. Today, patrol is staffed for four deputies per shift when it should be eight.

Turnover costs taxpayers too. Every departure means recruiting, hiring and training a replacement. Keeping experienced deputies is far less expensive, and it's the most fiscally responsible path to a fully staffed department.

Meanwhile, Vail and Avon police are fully staffed. The Sheriff's Office has yet to lay out a path to resolution.

As Sheriff, I will build a modern command structure that empowers staff, a culture that welcomes all viewpoints without slowing decisions, and higher morale through a focus on wellness and job satisfaction. That is good business, and it means a safer community and responsible stewardship of public dollars.

I will work with deputies, staff, neighbors and partner agencies to restore the proud legacy of the Eagle County Sheriff's Office.

Please return your ballots by November 3rd. 

Rebecca AndersonCandidate for Eagle County Sheriff