To the editor:

My name is Tony Walter and I have been a deputy with the Webster County Sheriff’s Office since 2004 and a sergeant since 2016. In 2020, I was Sheriff Luke Fleener’s general election opponent. Today, I am writing to show my support for the reelection of Sheriff Fleener and why I will be casting my vote in the Republican primary election on June 4 for him.

In 20 years with the Sheriff’s Office I have seen many changes, some good and some bad. I have never previously seen the number of positive changes like I have in the last four years under Sheriff Fleener. Without writing an extremely long letter, I am going to focus on some of the best changes I have witnessed.

Two of the most important things today when it comes to law enforcement are having up-to-date policies and procedures, and extensive training. Up until Sheriff Fleener took office, we operated under outdated policies, some as old as 1985. A company was previously hired to update these policies, but they were never implemented. Sheriff Fleener, knowing the importance of updating our policies and procedures, started implementing them almost immediately. He also requires monthly training on policies by all deputies.

Sheriff Fleener has increased the training budget and actively encourages deputies to seek training outside of what is already required under Iowa and federal law. These trainings include mental health, de-escalation tactics, leadership skills, and active shooter to highlight just a few. He has created more accountability from everyone by requiring sergeants to complete monthly shift reviews to include reviewing camera footage, reports, and calls for services that their shift responded to.

In addition, Sheriff Fleener has established an SRO program with the Southeast Valley school district in Webster County. This not only helps make our schools and children safer, but also helps build relationships with the younger generations. He cares about all the citizens, and especially our youth. He has created more positions within the department, such as courthouse security and bailiffs which can also assist with transports of inmates. This is an incredible asset because rarely are deputies taken off patrol to transport inmates. Instead, they can remain in the communities and rural areas.

Something I truly admire about Sheriff Fleener is his willingness to involve everyone and their ideas. He has established regular sergeant meetings to discuss ideas and receive input. He truly values and models the team mentality. Even though I was his opponent four years ago, we maintain a great working relationship and he creates an environment where I know I can speak my mind and offer my ideas. Even if we don’t always agree, I leave the meeting knowing my thoughts were heard and will be taken into consideration.

Sheriff Luke Fleener is not afraid to take on challenges. Upon taking office he had to take on a jail that was struggling with understaffing and over-population. He had to make some very hard decisions that I am glad I didn’t have to make. Today, the jail is constantly improving under his leadership with help from the staff that he has brought in. In addition to taking on the jail, Sheriff Fleener also took back control of the Webster County Communications Center from an out-of-state company that promised the world and delivered absolutely nothing. While under the sheriff’s control, dispatchers now have competitive wages, proper medical insurance, effective leadership, and better training. I have no doubt this department will continue to improve and thrive under Sheriff Fleener’s leadership. I look forward to the progress another four years will bring.

The final thing I will write today is something that I feel is extremely important. Sheriff Luke Fleener is not a politician. We don’t need another politician. We need a leader that will make the hard decisions and do what is in the best interests of the citizens of Webster County. Sheriff Fleener is so much more than a person who can go out, shake hands, make promises, and smile for the camera. Even though it may ruffle some feathers, Sheriff Fleener is willing to speak the truth and follow through. Sheriff Fleener has proven to me that he truly cares about Webster County and will do everything he can for the citizens he serves. This is why it doesn’t surprise me when I hear him on the radio working, patrolling, and helping cover calls at 1 a.m. while most people are asleep.

Sheriff Luke Fleener is the best person for the job and we are lucky to have him. He has proven himself and earned another four years as Webster County sheriff. This is why I will be switching parties to vote in the Republican primary on June 4, 2024, and casting my vote to reelect Sheriff Luke Fleener, and this is why I encourage you to do the same and vote in the Republican primary for Sheriff Luke Fleener.

Tony Walter

Fort Dodge