At the Boone County Administration Committee meeting, the sheriff reported that patrol and dispatch staffing have recently improved and outlined several facility and operational updates.

The sheriff said six individuals were sworn in at a recent ceremony: four to patrol and two to corrections. He described two lateral hires for patrol who began field training immediately and two recruits who started academy training the following Monday. He told the board the dispatch center was recently brought to “full staff” after swearing in its 16th dispatcher, and that a dispatcher had submitted a retirement letter effective in early February.

On buildings and equipment, the sheriff said the McKinley facility received new light poles and six of eight exterior cameras have been installed; two cameras and a DVR remain to be completed. The PSB boiler replacement was finished in mid‑December after about 3½ days without heat. He also said an 8‑person transport van had been purchased using court security funds and that body‑worn cameras required by statute were deployed as of Jan. 1.

The sheriff highlighted recent investigations and calls: a drug‑induced homicide arrest that investigators will be honored for in a future meeting; a fatal pedestrian collision on Route 173 east of Capron that remains under investigation; multiple semi‑involved collisions, including a train‑versus‑semi crash; and a vehicle fire rescue in which deputies waded through a creek to rescue a vehicle occupant. He said deputies would be honored for their work on that rescue in an upcoming board meeting.

The sheriff closed by noting the department processed nearly 30,000 calls for service for the year, an increase of roughly 2,500 calls over 2023.