Sheriff’s race in Jefferson County heats up
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) - To protect and serve, that is the goal of each and every member of law enforcement. Two men in Jefferson County are hoping to not only answer the call but help others to do the same. Both candidates for sheriff in Jefferson County feel they are the best person for the job.
"I have over two decades of protecting and serving the citizens of Jefferson County. I have been a patrol and detective. corporal. Sergeant. Lieutenant, chief, deputy. And now sheriff," said current Jefferson County Sheriff Steve Anderson.
"I've got a little over 15 years in law enforcement. I started my career in Maricopa County with the sheriff's office. decided we were going to move back to Rigby, and got on with the Rigby PD. Was an officer there for about six years. I spent a couple of years as a detective there," Jake Hannabach, a candidate for Jefferson County Sheriff said.
I asked both men why they wanted to be the Jefferson County Sheriff.
"The reason I wanted to become sheriff is because our community is growing, and I'd like to be part of that. With the growth in bringing in that sheriff's office that's able to handle those, issues with growth and with crime and everything," Sheriff Anderson said.
"A lot of residents come forward to me, you know, and prompted me to run. because they want things a little bit different. Want. They want some change. they'd like to see more transparency with the sheriff's office, which I think is very important," Hannabach said.
Both men acknowledged the county is growing and emphasized the need to bring in more deputies. Though they differed in their approach to the problem.
"I think it's important to utilize federal aid. state aid in the form of grants to put more deputies on the road. I also feel that myself being a working sheriff, when I'm. My duties are done inside my office. I'll suit up. Get in my patrol car. I'll be on the street, right along with my deputies. As well as my command staff. So that's actually putting more deputies on the road," Hannabach said.
"Paying them is, it's a difficult task. We're trying to get their pay up and keep them here. you have people moving to other lines of work. law enforcement is, a noble cause. And we need to convince people that this is a good, career for them," Sheriff Anderson said.
Both men said they hope that no matter what happens in the primaries on Tuesday, they are dedicated to serving their county.
