My wife Lynne-Ann, daughter Lenora and I have lived in the San Juan’s since Sheriff Cumming hired me as Lead Detective eight years ago. I feel I am the best candidate for the job not only because of my experience but also because of my commitment to our community. You might recognize me from previous years handouts for the Safety Fairs on San Juan Island, yeah, I'm the guy helping the kids with the fire hose. I am co-coordinator with Fire Wise an organization that helps residents and neighborhoods assess their fire risks and then helps those same neighborhoods clear out debris and ladder fuel to make homes and the environment safer. I am the guy you may have passed on Beaverton Valley Road picking up trash along a two mile stretch with my family. You will see from my bio that I am a board member with Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Services and Chair of the SJC Veteran's Advisory Board and that I am involved in my home owners association. My commitment to community lead me to run for the office of Sheriff and I ask for your support.

A More Detailed Look at Brent's Background

San Juan County Sheriff’s Office:
Employment Information – October 2002 to Present

Lead Detective – Responsible for handling all complex and confidential cases dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault, white collar crime and other major felonies for the Sheriff’s office. Assist other deputies in the completion of their cases as needed. Handle investigations requested by the Sheriff that may deal with internal and/or community issues. Working with the Prosecutor to update our current State required county protocol for the response to child abuse issues. Responsible for conducting or setting up sensitive interviews with children when they have been the victim of a crime. Assist deputies in the field when needed.

University of Washington Police Department:
Employment Information – August 2001 to September 2002

Police Officer – General police duties included criminal investigation of felony and misdemeanor crimes, traffic enforcement, accident investigation and crime prevention functions. The position at the University required the ability to interact in a professional manner with students and faculty. It also required a close working relationship with the North Precinct of the Seattle Police Department.

Bernalillo County District Attorney’ Office:
Employment Information – February 2000 to June 2001

Lead Investigator – Performed investigations at the request of the District Attorney and other Deputies as required. Responsible for completing investigations from original complaint to presentation to the Grand Jury. Lead investigator for the District Attorney’s office in the Girly Hossencofft murder investigation, one of the most complex murder investigations in the State of New Mexico. Assisted in correcting deficiencies in cases submitted by other agencies to the District Attorney’s office. Performed supervisory duties in the absence of the Chief Investigator. Nominated Investigator of the Year, Office of the District Attorney Sate of New Mexico (2000).

 Albuquerque Police Department:
Employment Information - September 1979 to February 2000

Sector Sergeant – Three different area commands and shifts (10 to 20 officers). Included responsibility for handling of crisis situations, community problem solving, discipline and training, tactical plans (crime and traffic problems) and crime prevention for patrol operations in my sector.

Recruiting and Selection Sergeant – Responsible for coordinating applicant testing, career fairs, reviewed all background investigations, approved and/or disapproved all terminations of police and public service aide applicants. Confirmed that my staff followed all principals of the American Disability Act. Assisted Lieutenant in restructuring and guiding the recruiting and selection process to fill all vacancies attributed to attrition, in addition to increasing the number of police officers from 850 to 928, without compromising the Department’s high standards. Increased the number of female cadets starting a class from 10% to 30%. Also supervised the background investigations of all newly hired civilians for the Department. Coordinated the Department’s responsibilities within the Albuquerque Public School mentorship program.

Drug Abuse Resistance Education and Gang Resistance Education and Training Sergeant – Responsible for seventeen officers and controlled a $250,000/year budget. Worked closely with the Albuquerque school system and the placement of officers within their schools. Through this team effort we were able to cover every elementary and mid-school as well as private schools within the city. Was a primary writer in obtaining an additional $10,000 grant from the state of New Mexico for D.A.R.E. Obtained $5,000 in private donations for the program. Attended D.A.R.E. Instructors school and taught in the Albuquerque area schools. Developed the first summer G.R.E.A.T. program for our department, which was attended by over five hundred children.

District Attorney Liaison Sergeant – Was asked by the Liaison Commander to assist with establishing a liaison with the District Attorney. Responsibilities included reviewing all felony cases submitted by the Department to the District Attorney (approximately 300 a month) to ensure that all cases were properly presented for successful prosecution, ensured proper search and seizure procedures were followed, reducing liability for the department, coordinating court and grand jury appearances. Resolved issues between the District Attorney’s Office, the courts, and the police department. Oversaw the unit for sixty days while the Department selected a new Commander and assisted in his training.

Instructor – Albuquerque Police Academy - As a detective was responsible for teaching “Formal Felony Case Preparation” and the correct way to prepare arrest and search warrants.

Domestic Abuse Response Team - Was one of the Department’s representatives that served on a long-term committee in regards to domestic violence in our community. Assisted committee to make changes within our Department, the formation of and establishing planning of officers of the first Domestic Abuse Response Team for our Department and community. Was appointed to the team by the Chief of Police.

Field Investigator/Criminalistics - Completed a sixty-hour course on the proper techniques of finger printing, photographs, and crime scene investigations. Responded to property crimes and violent crimes reference to crime scene investigations. Was a member of the Field Investigation Unit before promotion to sergeant.

General and Specialized Detective – A generalist detective while assigned to the Department’s Field Services Detective Unit. Became a specialized detective while assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit handling all cases including child death.

 United States Air Force:

Employment Information – April 1973 to October 1979. Obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant with a seven level skill rating (equates to the level required for Master Sergeant). Was one of sixteen selected out of 35,000 security police to serve a special assignment with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Pentagon. Was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal and one of the few enlisted men that could wear the Joint Chiefs of Staff service emblem.

Professional Activities:
Secretary of the San Juan County Sheriffs and Dispatchers Guild
Past President of the San Juan County Sheriffs and Dispatchers Guild
Albuquerque Police Officers Association:
Executive Board - Grievance Chairman 1996
Executive Board - Secretary 1985
Fraternal Order of Police
State Certified Law Enforcement Instructor

Community Involvement:
Chair of the Veterans Advisory Board of San Juan County
Volunteer Fire Fighter
Co-coordinator for the Fire Wise program of San Juan County
Board member for Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Services
Volunteer member of the Island Chapter of the American Red Cross
Vice President of the North 40 Home Owners Association
President of the North 40 Fire Wise Community
Helped instruct new advocates for the Rape Crisis Center in Albuquerque 1992-1993
Numerous speaking engagements in support of Women's groups regarding Domestice Violence 1995-1996
Elks Lodge - D.A.R.E. and G.R.E.A.T activities 1995-1996
Methodist Church Trustee 1998