Editor,
I worked for Box Elder Co Sheriff's Dept. for many years under Lynn Yeates, while he was Chief Deputy, and as Sheriff. I also worked alongside Darren Phelps for several years. I feel obligated to share my observations of them, as they contend for the position of sheriff, and I implore your readers to diligently study this race.
The job in question is one in which the qualified candidate is the one who can inspire and prompt department members to WILLINGLY improve their level of service to the community. All too often in law enforcement, the degree to which any given department demonstrates how it "serves" it's community is measured through a statistical bar graph or pie chart the administrator picks to show his constituents and budget controllers. A simple change in percentages is argued as proof positive that the status quo is "good enough". In truth, the primary goal of law enforcement should be to educate the citizen, protect the public, and defend our freedom, as laid out in their Oath of Office. "Good enough" is never enough. As citizens, we have the right, and the obligation to DEMAND that our public servants are held to a higher standard. In my opinion, there can be no more highly important position than that of county sheriff, as the leadership (or lack thereof) of the enforcement branch of government carries with it the costliest of powers. Mistakes at this level carry great consequences. We temper the gravity of the consequences of those potential mistakes through the insistence of a strict moral and ethical standard. And so, I make my point; The Box Elder Co Sheriff should be the man with the ability to fill that void, a man who exemplifies honor, integrity, accountability, and ethics in his life.
Darren Phelps is a crew chief on a C135 Stratotanker in the Utah Air Guard. He's the boss of that airplane when it is on the ground, supervising many other professionals in ensuring that their airplane is immaculately cared for. He has been forward deployed several times, proving that he has significant leadership skills. Darren is also a private contractor, running his own award winning business. His projects are amazing, and he insists on pleasing his customers. In law enforcement, I have seen him bring these very same standards to work everyday, earning the utmost respect from his co-workers.
It has been very disheartening and troubling to have heard comments and seen letters from a few hand picked prominent local names suggesting that Darren (and his supporters) are simply disgruntled former employees interested in retribution. Darren Phelps is one of the finest men I know, and more than capable of leading a department that is in desperate need of quality leadership. However, if "disgruntled" means there was some heartburn about a genuine lack of leadership, or public accountability, then yes, that is true. We should all demand such standards, and be willing to hold to our principles throughout life.
-Mike London
