Patrol
A Message from the Patrol Commander
“When I joined the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office in 1997 I never would have dreamed I would be leading the entire Patrol Division 23 years later! During my time at the Sheriff’s Office, I have served the agency and citizens of Garfield County as a Detentions Deputy, Patrol Deputy, Task Force Officer, Task Force Commander, Patrol Sergeant, and Patrol Commander. In addition to those positions, I have also been actively engaged in several specialty units to include the Firearms team as a Firearms Instructor as well as the K9 Unit, both as a K9 Trainer and as a K9 Handler. I learned early on in my career at the Sheriff’s Office that hard work, dedication, and ongoing training was a recipe for success. I continue to encourage and support these values as I know that with these values, everyone can have a successful career in Law Enforcement. I am very proud to be part of this team of hard-working professionals.”
Commander Conrad
The Backbone of Law Enforcement in Garfield County
Our Patrol Division is responsible for patrolling the 2,956 square miles of Garfield County, with the majority of calls for service stemming from the I-70 corridor. Garfield County’s population of close to 60,000 residents live mostly in six municipalities, including Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, New Castle, Silt, Rifle, and Parachute. The Sheriff’s Office experiences a well-balanced call load, that enables deputies to be proactive, as well as respond to the needs of the community. On average, the Sheriff’s Office receives 28,000 calls for service per year.
Garfield County Sheriff’s Office runs 12-hour patrol shifts. A shift is comprised of a Patrol Sergeant, a corporal, and five deputies. Line level deputies are responsible for one of three zones that the county is split into. Supervisors roam to help assist and lead their team.
Garfield County Sheriff’s Patrol Deputies are required to respond to dynamic and rapidly evolving situations, they need to have the ability to communicate with a variety of individuals effectively, problem solve, and think critically. Deputies will be required to work with local municipalities and be high-quality team members.
Deputies are given the opportunity to investigate many of their own cases, work in conjunction with investigations and other specialty units, as well as write and execute search and arrest warrants.
Deputies are asked to respond to a variety of calls for service, including but not limited to: civil issues, robberies, burglaries, traffic enforcement, traffic-related matters, suicidal subjects, domestic violence, and theft.
Training
Sheriff Vallario believes that training is essential in providing quality service to members of the community. From career path development to officer safety, training plays an important role. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office back this belief by having 96 hours of in-house training per year. In addition, the Sheriff’s Office is committed to sending deputies to training outside the agency to enhance their skill sets and job-related interests. The agency also provides opportunities for numerous instructor and teaching opportunities and has a clearly defined career path for advancement.
Leadership Not Oversight
From the top-down, the agency fosters a culture of leadership, not oversight. Supervisors see their role as supporting, while they mentor and lead their teams. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office expects all of its deputies, regardless of rank, to understand that they are leaders in the agency as well as in the community.
Forward-Thinking Sheriff
The motto of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is to “See the future and prepare for it today.” Sheriff Vallario is continuously progressing the agency forward. Through training and innovation, Sheriff Vallario keeps the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office on the fore-front of Law Enforcement.
Control of Your Career
The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office has a clear and well defined career path. This career path outlines the steps needed for a deputy to advance within the agency. This career path consists of numerous outside training opportunities, community involvement, and agency-specific education.
What Our Deputies are Saying:
Patrol Sergeant - M. Bowen
“As a lateral, G.C.S.O. is a great place to come to. The S.O. values your experience and instructorships. The training here is second to none. The crews all have a wealth of knowledge and experience.”
Civil Deputy - C. Janz
“I initially tested for the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office while attending the academy. Out of all the agencies I tested for, the Garfield County S.O. was the first agency to offer me a job. I officially started FTO a week after I completed the academy. That was 12 years ago. Since then, I have switched over to the Civil Division. I have also helped out in the jail when they were short-staffed. I have met many great people along the way, and I truly enjoy working here. I love what I do and I have great co-workers. We are located in such a beautiful area with such a strong community, that I couldn’t see myself doing anything else at this point in my life. With such negativity towards Law Enforcement nationwide, it’s nice to live and work in a place that is positive towards Law Enforcement and the Sheriff’s Office. I’ve had many great years here, and look forward to many more.”
Patrol Deputy - B. Gilliam
“From a very young age all I have wanted to do is work in Law Enforcement, and ever since I started at the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office it has been one of the greatest experiences. Working for this agency is not just a job, but it’s working alongside your friends and family. There is so much room for growth and opportunity at the S.O. which makes it a great place to work, and it’s a bonus that we get to work in such a beautiful area.”
Ride Along With a Deputy
Ride along with a Garfield County Patrol Deputy and get a sense of what we do. This is a great opportunity to learn about the area, the agency, and about Law Enforcement. Fill out the form below and someone will be in touch with you shortly!