December 2022
Greetings Citizens of Franklin County,
2022 has been a busy year for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
In terms of personnel, we welcomed eight corrections deputies and one support specialist, while the patrol division remains one of the only agencies in our area that is fully staffed. We honored three distinguished retirements: Corrections Deputy Shane Grieb (29 years of service), Captain Adam Diaz (29 years of service), and Commander Rick Rochleau (35 years of service). Following these retirements we also celebrated several promotions. The Corrections department promoted Captain Harmon, Lieutenant Tennancour, Sergeants Romero and Iztas, and Corporals Batterman and McAllister. For the command staff, Commander Huber promoted to Undersheriff and Sergeant Conner promoted to Administrative Commander. In 2023, the patrol division will welcome a new sergeant following the testing process.
Regarding equipment, our new mobile command trailer arrived in April and has already been utilized on a number of occasions. We were very fortunate to receive a Ford F-550 Pickup capable of towing the 32-foot trailer, donated to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Foundation and in turn, gifted to us. We also applied for and received a grant for a new 18-foot aluminum jet boat, capable of navigating in small bodies of water. Three new drones were also added to the equipment inventory.
2022 offered many opportunities for community engagement. In April, we received a visit from a baby goat compliments of the Wishing Star Foundation. We also held the first meeting of the Sheriff’s Bi-County Posse. Since then, they have elected an executive board, attended trainings, and continue to meet regularly. In August, the National Night Out Event saw a great turnout of community and law enforcement entities. Special Olympics Fall Games and the Holiday Toy Drive, held at Walmart on Road 68, were special highlights. Can the Cruiser held at Grocery Outlet Bargain Market on Road 68, was a huge success, as was No Shave November benefitting SARC. The annual Shop with a Cop (sponsored by local businesses and the Sheriff’s Foundation) held at Walmart was a great time for participating deputies and children alike.
Basin City Elementary was the site of the Bike Bonanza essay contest. 28 bicycles were awarded to students who participated in the contest.
At Mesa Elementary the Big Buddy program was introduced. Deputy Sergio Rodriguez designed and implemented the program, which involves meeting with staff-nominated students in a small group setting to discuss real life issues and provide a strong mentor and role model. The program continues at Mesa and was also implemented at Edwin Markham by Deputy Marks. Basin City will begin participating early next year with Deputy Torres.
Kahlotus participated in the DARE Program for the first time since the 1990’s, and celebrated DARE graduation in May. Graduations were held in June for Mesa and Basin City.
The Sheriff’s Office was proud to award Lifesaving Awards to our own Deputy Carson Roske and District 3 Firefighter Jose Garcia for their heroic efforts at a motorcycle versus motor vehicle collision.
In the coming year we are looking forward to continuing to serve our county and build positive relationships with the citizens of our communities.
On behalf of the Sheriff’s Office, Happy Holidays and have a safe 2023.
Respectfully,
Undersheriff
Monty Huber
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