NOVEMBER 1, 2018
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ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO
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Heap looks back at years as sheriff Lawman praises those who work for department BY TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
After serving two terms as Elbert County’s top law enforcement official, Sheriff Shayne Heap is preparing to turn the reins over to the new sheriff in town come January, and said the exceptional deputies and other people in the department have made his time as sheriff successful. “I have an exceptional group of people who work for me,” said Heap, who has been in law enforcement for 17 years and managed a group of 47 deputies during his time in office. “They all want to be here and they care about the community.” The sheriff ’s office serves an area of more than 1,800 square miles, and include rural areas along the southeastern borders, and more densely populated areas reaching toward Parker. The diversity of the population, according to Heap, requires a dedicated approach to law enforcement. “We are incredibly blessed in this county. We’ve have been supported by our community, and formed good relationships with our citizens,” said Heap. One of the most rewarding aspects of the job, according to Heap, is being able to help community members through outreach programs such as the annual charity golf tournament, getting meals for families for the holidays, and helping students in need. “There was a young girl who was having problems seeing the board in school,” recalls Heap.
A CHANGE IS COMING After eight years of serving as Elbert County’s sheriff, Shayne Heap is termlimited. On Nov. 6, voters will choose his replacement, either Republican Tim Norton or Democrat Don Charobee. On Election Night, go to ElbertCountyNews.net for results of that and other key races. “Her parents couldn’t even afford to get her in for an eye exam, so we pulled together, had an officer pick her up at school, take her to get her eyes checked, and got her the glasses she needed.” Helping his deputies deal with the stress of the job has been challenging, and according to Heap, nearly 70 percent of law enforcement officials suffer from PTSD. “It’s been difficult helping individuals in the field deal with what they deal with on a daily basis,” said Heap. “The public only hears about a small amount of what goes on every day. Deputies see some terrible things, and you never know what will really affect you. The industry has gotten better at recognizing the needs of people in the industry, and addressing the mental, emotional and spiritual needs of our deputies has been a priority for me.” Heap said he has received several offers of employment, but hasn’t decided what he will do after leaving office. “I haven’t decided what I will do next,” said Heap. “I have a responsibility to help the new sheriff as he transitions into the office. It’s been an honor to be allowed to sit in that seat, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything, but I am looking forward to something else now.” Heap had one piece of advice for the new sheriff. “Get some sleep before you get into office.”
Elbert County Sheriff Shayne Heap is finishing up his second term as sheriff, and said although he has several offers, he’s not sure what he’ll be doing after his term ends. PHOTO BY TABATHA STEWART
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VOLUME 123 | ISSUE 40