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“Their volunteerism in the community—they’re always doing something
for others,” Tharp said. “I think it’s a good organization.”
Tharp estimated there are nearly 20 Latino deputies and corrections
officers within the ranks of the sheriff’s office. He believes
their visible presence only can help the fragile trust factor
between Latinos and law enforcement going forward.
“I think it’s so very important for the Latino community that they
see the officers coming into law enforcement when there are
conversations going on about the undocumented, as well as other
conversations,” he said. “I think it’s very important that the
Latino community see their own family members have become law
enforcement officers.”
Tharp is seeking to increase that bond with the Latino community.
After 28 years with the county, Sheriff James Telb retired
at year’s end to spend more time with his family, including his
six grandchildren.
“He certainly put a lot of things in motion (over that time). I’m
not looking to make major changes, just tighten up a few things,
maybe add a few things,” Tharp said. “We’ll continue on with a
few things that he had either talked about or started, make them
better and move on like that.”
Correspondent Kevin Milliken contributed to this report.
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