In January, I had the opportunity to meet with Editor Leslie Thompson with the Argus Observer to announce that I was running for re-election as the Payette County Sheriff. During the interview we talked about staffing, emergency responder radio communications, expanding the 911 phone system, and jail overcrowding. Over this week you will be able to hear about these topics and a few others, but today’s video focuses on volunteer work and community service.
Community Service has been an important part of my life. My parents were actively involved in church, recreation league softball, Lions Club, paint the town, and many other things. These things were opportunities for the entire family to participate. I have continued to be involved in community events throughout my life. I am still actively involved in church, mixing the sound for services at least twice a month. I play in a band that is often seen at local community events. I have helped with organizing the Apple Jam fundraiser for the Fruitland Chamber of Commerce and provided the sound system for the Fruitland Family Fun Days. My wife and I have been very involved in different activities as our children grew up. I have also encouraged our deputies to be involved in community service. We have deputies that coach softball and wrestling. We work with our deputies to try to help them have time to do these activities.
Community Service is important to help build relationships between my staff and the community. Community Policing is a term that first came out decades ago but is still relevant today. The community and law enforcement need to work together to keep our community safe. We both rely on each other as a partnership. It only strengthens this partnership when law enforcement is involved in the community to help build those relationships.
I have enjoyed working and living in this community over the last 27 years. I look forward to continuing to serve Payette County over the next four years. Please get out to vote on May 21st and vote Andy Creech for Payette County Sheriff.