To the editor:

I am writing this letter in support of Luke Fleener, who is running for re-election as the Webster County Sheriff.

I have known Sheriff Fleener since 2007 when I began my employment with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. When Sheriff Fleener was a detective, I had the opportunity to work closely with him on many cases that crossed county boundaries. I always found Sheriff Fleener to have a keen eye for detail and drive to hold people accountable for their actions.

I’ve also had the opportunity to attend multiple trainings taught by Sheriff Fleener. I will maintain that Sheriff Fleener is one of the best instructors I’ve encountered. He believes deeply in education and training for everyone in law enforcement. He has a unique ability to build confidence instead of doubt and can speak to everyone in a tone and language that they understand. That is truly a gift.

Many decisions a sheriff makes can be controversial and come with political fallout. This is evidenced through his push for a new jail and assuming control of dispatch. Sheriff Fleener could have simply ridden his terms out and ignored these issues and collected his paycheck. That’s not Sheriff Fleener’s style. He knew both would come with push back and naysayers, but he also knew it was time to do what was right and necessary. True leaders make tough decisions and don’t allow political breezes to sway their commitment for the future best interest of the office as a whole and of the community they serve.

In summary, I hold everyone within the Webster County Sheriff’s Office in high regard. This is a testament to not only Sheriff Fleener, but his predecessors. Sheriff Fleener will be the first to give credit to his deputies, correctional officers, and office staff. But it takes leadership to get the ship pointed in the right direction. In my opinion, Sheriff Fleener, Chief Deputy Christie and their dedicated team of supervisors deserve another term to keep leading the Webster County Sheriff’s Office into the future.

Cory Lampe

Humboldt