By Ann Butler
Neighbors Columnist
I don’t know whether it’s because the La Plata-Archuleta Cattlemen’s Association writes great recommendations or if our local law enforcement agencies are more attuned to livestock issues, but for the second year in a row, a local law enforcement officer has been named the best in the state.
La Plata County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jeremiah Lee received the Colorado Cattlemen’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year at the organization’s Mid-Winter Meeting at the end of January.
While he might be considered a rookie at the Sheriff’s Office, having worked there for about a year, Lee worked in law enforcement at the Durango Police Department for 18 years before that, said Barbara Jefferies, who helped create the nomination.
“Among his many attributes Jeremiah has helped to settle issues between land and livestock owners, is observant of the location of livestock for their owners,” she said, “but most importantly, he is another set of eyes looking out for agricultural interests in the county.”
In 2016, Southwest Colorado brand inspector and supervisor Chad Moore was named Colorado Brand Inspector of the Year.
Congratulations to Lee, who apparently has moved from a city beat to a rural beat with aplomb.
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