Steve Rogers only concerned with welfare of county

When I was elected sheriff in November of 2002, my first and most important decision was to select a chief deputy. I received a telephone call from a retired state trooper who was already serving as an Indiana sheriff. His advice was to search carefully and select a person of integrity who would know the operations of a sheriff department from top to bottom. Someone with a strong work ethic who was well liked by folks on both sides of the political aisle. Someone who was unquestionably honest, and would make the right decisions even when tough decisions had to be made. Somebody who was accomplished in his or her law enforcement career.

In considering several possible choices, that person was undoubtedly Steve Rogers. Some people might think that Steve Rogers and I were longtime best friends, or fishing and hunting pals, or buddies from way back when. The truth is our relationship was more of acquaintances. I’m not certain we had ever socialized off duty. But the more I thought about it, the more I knew he was the right man for the job.

I was familiar with Steve Rogers’ reputation as a dedicated, hard-working police officer. I also conducted a thorough background investigation on the Rogers family a few years prior to winning the election, when Steve’s son applied for a position with the Indiana State Police. I knew the reputation and standing Steve’s family had in the community. I’ve done the background work for you – there are no skeletons in the closet, or anything that requires an explanation. What you see is what you get, a Christian man who is interested in the welfare of his community and the people he serves.

Steve has the experience to lead the Sheriff Department through the tough economic times ahead. Steve has excelled as a patrol officer, detective, SWAT team member and administrator. I am not the only sheriff to recognize Steve’s talents. Steve Rogers also served as chief deputy under former Sheriff Earle Howard.

Steve has handled the tough assignments, from guarding Mafia hit man Billy Dauber during a murder trial that was venued to Howard Circuit Court in the ’70s, to investigating corruption inside his own department. It wasn’t an outside agency that investigated the misuse of commissary funds at the Howard County Sheriff Department. It was Steve Rogers that put that case together.

Steve has done some amazing work as a detective. His skills as an investigator were featured in an episode of the television show “The FBI Files,” which told the story of Anita Woolridge’s abduction and kidnapping, and the subsequent investigation that saved her life.

While investigating the escape of three dangerous inmates from the Howard County Jail several years ago, Steve’s diligent detective work solved an open assault case against a female victim living several states away.

Steve Rogers served his country in the United States Air Force. He is a graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, and the prestigious FBI National Academy. If Howard County voters choose Steve Rogers as their next sheriff, they will reap the benefits of an accomplished and distinguished 40-year law enforcement career.

The citizens of our state do not elect a chief of police. They do not elect the superintendent of the Indiana State Police. They do not select the marshals working in Indiana’s smaller communities. The only law enforcement official elected by the people of our great state is their county sheriff. The sheriff is responsible for providing law enforcement service and police protection, serving the warrants and civil process generated by the courts, and maintaining and operating the county jail. It is a $6 million responsibility in Howard County. Choosing my successor is the most important political race of the 2010 elections. Honor, courtesy, service and dedication are traits citizens can expect if they elect Chief Deputy Steve Rogers as their next Howard County sheriff.

Marshall D. Talbert, Howard County sheriff