I am voting for Ron Krebs for San Juan County Sheriff.

I first came in contact with Ron as a Middle School Parent. I was drama instructor at Friday Harbor Middle & High School.

His concern, kindness and unconditional support for his kid made a huge impression on me. I knew him as a parent who wanted to connect with his kid.

Over the next several years, I observed significant and positive motivational changes in the student. Ron remains one of the most committed parents I have met in my 27 years here.

I believe in his ability to “police” our community—to lead by example—to show compassion—understanding—restraint—and at the same time, be a tough cop.

We met for lunch several months ago at my request and had an excellent conversation about the role of a Sheriff in a small community as we have.

When we elect a Sheriff, we should make that decision not just to maintain a status quo level of comfort and security; we should elect a person who will embed deeply into our community; reach out to young folk; bring people and interest groups together; show a visibility not just as a cop, but a community volunteer (Ron is a volunteer EMT); and above all —motivate his department to work as a team to insure our communities’ safety and well-being.

Wearing that badge is not just about law and order, it’s about listening to a constituency.

When Ron is elected, I hope to work with the Sheriff’s Dept. to help communicate positively with teens and develop programs that involve kids in community support. I will happily commit to a renewed connection to the Sheriff’s Dept. in any way that helps our community come together.

When Ron is elected, I look forward to a feeling of happy confidence when I see a Sheriff’s vehicle, and I look forward to knowing that Ron Krebs will most likely show up as private citizen at many of the community events I and my family attend.

Fred Yockers, San Juan Island