Community Endorsements

See all of Sheriff Sean Smith's endorsements from La Plata County residents below.
My family and I were camping at the KOA when the mudslide came through last Tuesday Evening. I want to commend your staff in the professionalism & concern for the people that were experiencing an almost nightmare. I would like to thank you and your employees for all the assistance we received and in the handling of a bad situation that could have definitely been far worse. Carol Taylor

Tax Assesor-Collector, Wood County | TX

Sean Smith has revolutionized the La Plata County sheriffs office. He has brought their technology into the 21st-century, hired exceptional deputies and trained them well.

He is in touch with community based law enforcement which requires his deputies to stay in touch with what is happening in the community and have a good relationship with his constituents. He is the best Sheriff I have seen in a long time.

Frank Lockwood

Executive Director, Durango Area Tourism Office

 
Sheriff Sean Smith is a natural leader. His passion for law enforcement and serving La Plata County is unparalleled.
 
Sheriff Smith’s leadership both during and after the Gold King Mine and 416 Fire disasters was exemplary. Re-elect Sean Smith and keep La Plata County moving forward.
Gwen Lachelt

La Plata County Commissioner

Sheriff Smith, with Federal and State Outstanding Leadership Awards Fire 416 response, has not been campaigning as much as he would like to.
 
Now tried, proven and trusted to protect, his knee high fire/mud boots have not dried from long hours of field work in emergency after emergency.
 
Kathleen Adams

President , Non-Profit Medical Disease Association, Durango | CO

Our Sheriff Sean Smith is dedicated and professional. His logistics management during the 416 Fire won awards and the respect of officials at all levels.  La Plata County is a safer place with Sean Smith as our Sheriff. And the guy can dance! Beth Lamberson

Non-profit Management Consultant, Durango | CO

While I do follow local politics, I typically don’t write letters of endorsement especially for candidates for positions such as Sheriff.  But with Sheriff Sean Smith up for re-election I was compelled to show my support. 

This is a man who deeply cares.  His intelligence, compassion, thoughtfulness and professionalism were clearly evident throughout my experience.  He is very well respected by his team and all of those around him professionally. I was deeply struck by his sincere and even emotional connection with this community. 

Tim Kroes

Non-profit Professional, Durango | CO

Sean has done a terrific, non-partisan job serving all the residents of La Plata County, especially the more isolated rural residents.
 
He has earned his re-election with flying colors.
Tom Givon

Ignacio, CO

As a teacher, who taught at the La Plata County Jail from 2000–2003, I know precisely what the atmosphere and conditions were then compared to today and there is a WORLD of difference from that time to this. 
Under our Sheriff Sean Smith’s leadership the jail is now a “clean, well-lighted place” to quote Hemingway. The personnel are clearly much happier and saner, as most of the incarcerated people are as well. I support Sheriff Sean Smith 100%.
Stephanie Moran

Educator

Sean Smith is an intelligent enforcement professional who is fair and listens to the public.  

Sean Smith has placed the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office at the highest levels of public safety and professionalism. 

Mike McLachlan

Attorney, Law Offices of Michael E. McLachlan, P.C.

Sheriff Smith is impressive–he leads the department in a professional non-partisan manner, is accessible, and budget conscious. A proven leader for the whole county.

John Culver

La Plata County Resident

Sheriff Smith runs a very fiscally responsible Department and has saved taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars through efficiencies in operations.

He demonstrates inspired leadership and appreciation for his staff, assuring a high functioning crew. His demeanor, expertise and thoughtfulness make him an ideal Sheriff. 

Karen Zink

La Plata County Resident

Sean Smith is a very positive individual that loves serving his community through law enforcement.  

As sheriff he respects all citizens and has built an impressive team of professionals we can all be proud of.  He works smart and hard and has my vote.

Ken Francis

La Plata County Resident

The response by Sheriff Smith and the entire La Plata County Sheriff’s Dept. during the 416 Fire and inevitable flooding that followed was beyond commendable. Our community is very lucky to have a man like Sean Smith on our side. He has my vote! Sean Moriarty

Owner, Animas Marketing LLC, Durango | CO

I am very impressed with Sean Smith’s ability to relate in a warm and calming manner.  When he drove up to me by my home in Tamarron during the 416 fire evacuation, he shared what information he knew with a tone and an open countenance that helped me feel accompanied and protected under these circumstances. 

This is the kind of sheriff I want: intelligent, insightful, and able to relate warmly under difficult circumstances.  

Adela Windsor

La Plata County Resident

During my seventeen day evacuation, Sheriff Sean Smith and his deputies, with the help of our remarkable firefighters, showed courage and compassion.

I will never forget Sean’s kindness during a crisis, and with sincere appreciation endorse his re-election for Sheriff of La Plata County.

Patty Isensee

La Plata County Resident

We were affected by the 416 fire.  It started about a mile from our home, and having just moved here from the Denver area in April we were immediately concerned.  We attended one of the first community information meetings held in Durango and were extremely impressed listening to Sheriff Smith address the crowd.  He had control and command of a tense situation, and seemed confident that everyone responsible for fighting this raging wildfire was doing their jobs without interference from other agencies. 
More recently we had a chat with officers of his department, and they are extremely supportive of him as a leader in a complicated profession.
Julie & Wes Riber

La Plata County Residents