FAIRBURY -   For the first time in a long time there is a three-way race for Sheriff in Jefferson County.   It's probably even more rare that the winner will be decided in the primaries as all three candidates are registered Republican.  In Nebraska, county sheriff is considered a partisan position and therefore subject to the closed primary system.   News Channel Nebraska sent each candidate a list of the same questions so voters can get look at the candidates before they head to the polls tomorrow.   All three candidates said that illegal narcotics was one of the most pressing issues in Jefferson County and each provided their ideas on what policies need to be put in place to deal with the issue.   You can read the responses below.  

 

 

 

Responses Listed In Alphabetic Order By Last Name:

 Cody Barry is a current Jefferson County deputy

  • Tell us about yourself. What is your background in law enforcement/managerial experience?
    • I was born and raised in Superior Nebraska where I graduated high school in 2003. In 2005, I enlisted in the Nebraska Army National Guard as a Military Police Officer. I served two tours to Iraq in 2006-2007 and 2010-2011. During my career in the Nebraska Army National Guard, I achieved the rank of Sergeant and was tasked with supervising soldiers while in garrison and within a combat zone. I attended the Army’s Warrior Leadership Course in Ashland Nebraska, which is a 30-day leadership course for non-commissioned officers teaching the fundamentals of leadership. In 2008, I began employment with the Fairbury Police Department and served until 2013 when I was hired by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. I was awarded the opportunity to become a K9 handler from 2014 to 2021. During my 13 years of law enforcement service to Jefferson County, I’ve received certifications as a DUI Instructor, K9 Handler, Field Training Officer, Digital Forensics Examiner, Less Lethal Munitions Instructor, Basic SWAT Operator, and attended supervisory school after achieving the rank of Sergeant. As a Sergeant, I supervised a highly motivated team of three Deputies who were proactive in the enforcement of the law in all areas of law enforcement within Jefferson County.

 

  • What qualities must a sheriff possess to be effective in the position?
    • I believe a Sheriff must possess several qualities, but the most important qualities to me would be the ability to listen to both their employees and the citizens of the communities they serve, the ability to lead by example, and the ability to motivate their employees to be the best they can be.

 

  • What are two of Jefferson County's most pressing law-enforcement issues? What policies should be implemented to deal with it?
    • While door to door campaigning thus far and listening to the citizens of each community, I have found the two major issues within Jefferson County would be the illegal narcotics activity and the need for increased enforcement of traffic laws, to include DUI enforcement. I plan to establish quarterly performance evaluations, where each Deputy will be evaluated to promote pro-activeness in the enforcement of these issues and by ensuring each community is receiving the coverage that needs to be present to prevent these issues.

 

  • Do you feel the deputies have good relationships with those they serve? How can those relationships be maintained or improved?
    • I feel that all deputies within the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office have a good relationship with the citizens they serve. I believe we can improve our relationship, in a more personal way, with the citizens of Jefferson County by making the public aware who is serving as law enforcement in their county and to keep the public aware of law enforcement operations within their communities. I will do so by improving communication with the public, form neighborhood watch programs, by taking part of community events, and by posting a photo with biography of each deputy through social media and on our website.

 

  • Sticking on that point, unity and cohesion within the department must be critical to its success, much like any other team. How is your relationship with the deputies, and why do you feel you would make the best leader for the group?
    • I believe I have a good working relationship with most deputies employed by the Sheriff’s Office and have made myself available to each of them if ever called upon. I feel the experience I have gained during my career in civilian law enforcement and the military, have given me the leadership qualities needed to be the best leader for the Sheriff’s Office.

 

  • Staffing seems to be an issue across the Midwest right now. Is the Jefferson County Sheriff’s department fully staffed?  If so, how do plan to maintain it?  If not, how do you plan to recruit/fill the vacant spots.
    • Unfortunately, the Sheriff’s Office is not fully staffed at this point and there are currently two positions to be filled. I have already begun recruiting certified officers that I feel would contribute to the mission of the Sheriff’s Office. If elected, I have secured one verbal commitment and I’m working on the recruitment of two other certified officers. Once fully staffed, I will maintain staffing by creating a high morale work environment where each employee is treated fairly under one standard and is appreciated.

 

  • What are the biggest challenges facing effective law enforcement in our county and how would you deal with those challenges?
    • The biggest challenge facing effective law enforcement in our county is the absence of strong leadership. If elected, I will provide a lead by example administration where each employee knows what is expected of them, what the standard of the Sheriff’s Office is, and motivate each employee to be the best they can be.

 

  • Lastly, why do you want to be Sheriff of Jefferson County? Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
    • I chose to run for the Jefferson County Sheriff because a call for change has been echoing across the county for the last year but has not been answered. I will answer the call for change and provide proactive enforcement of the law to ensure safer communities within Jefferson County. Although I cannot answer the question of why voters should choose me over the other candidates, I will say to each citizen of Jefferson County that I have listened to your call for change, and I am willing to provide the change you have asked for. The decision has been placed upon you, and only you, to decide who you want to represent you as the next Sheriff of Jefferson County.

 

 

Nicholas Georgi is the current Jefferson County Sheriff



  1. Tell us about yourself. What is your background in Law Enforcement/managerial experience?

I am Sheriff Nicholas Georgi and I am a Republican candidate running for election to the office of Jefferson County Sheriff.

My law enforcement career has been full of self-growth and accomplishments. In 2008 I received my law enforcement certificate and accepted a road deputy position with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office. I was promoted to Chief Deputy in 2011 which included responsibilities of directly assisting the Sheriff, helping with the budget, managing and scheduling the road deputies, and I spent a lot of time applying for State and Federal grants. Also in 2011, I became Johnson County's only K9 handler with my partner Larz, I also received my two honored certifications: one being Johnson County's first Field Training Officer and the other was earning my management credentials.

Making the move back to my home area in 2013, I accepted a job with the Fairbury Police Department. I continued to grow my career with specialized trainings and numerous instructor certifications to help educate myself and the department.

My career with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office started in May 2018. I was quickly promoted to Shift Sergeant by retired Sheriff Nels Sorensen in August 2018. My responsibilities included overseeing a night shift, making quick management decisions and working closely with the other Sergeants, Chief Deputy and the Sheriff.

In May 2021, I was appointed to Jefferson County Sheriff through a process lead by the County Commissioners. In a race with 4 other applicants, I was selected as the most qualified and the best candidate for the position. Right away I was tasked with the responsibility of completing over 10 separate budgets, submitting a department inventory and I successfully made it through the Public Service Commission's annual 911 funding audit.

Personally, I grew up in this Jefferson County area and still have a lot of family here. I have been married for 9 years to my wife Saril and together we're raising our two sons: Calvin 5 and Dawson 3. Our family enjoys all things outdoors, especially camping and fishing. I am involved with local groups and have supported local causes here in Jefferson County.

 

  1. What qualities must a sheriff possess to be effective in the position?

Most importantly a sheriff must be a strong leader with even stronger management skills.  A sheriff must also effectively be able to communicate with not only his staff but with the public as well.  These are qualities I already excel at and these qualities are some of the main reasons I was appointed in May 2021 to be Jefferson County Sheriff.

 

  1. What are two of Jefferson County's most pressing law-enforcement issues? What policies should be implemented to deal with it?

I would say that two of the most pressing issues we deal with in Jefferson County are the drug related issues and the theft issues.  Making sure our deputies are out patrolling and being proactive while out on patrol can help with both of these issues.  Also regularly communicating with the public about the issues they see in their own neighborhoods.  Getting the public to report suspicious things will help our department be able to properly conduct investigations into these matters.

 

  1. Do you feel the deputies have good relationships with those they serve? How can those relationships be maintained or improved?

I do feel that our deputies, as well as all of our Sheriff’s Office staff, all have a good relationship with people we serve. There is always room for improvement and maintaining these relationships means us being seen out in the public, getting involved with our communities, effective communication and working together to understand each other. 

 

  1. Sticking on that point, unity and cohesion within the department has to be critical to its success, much like any other team. How is your relationships with the deputies, and why do you feel you would make the best leader for the group?

My relationship with the deputies, along with the entire staff at the Law Enforcement center, has been amazing through this whole process.  Back in May 2021 I had several current staff members encouraging me to apply for the position and I received strong support from Interim Sheriff Matt Schultz when he left our department.  The strong support I have continued to receive from the current staff is what has gotten me through this first year of being Interim Sheriff.  Because of the great relationships I have with the current staff along with my strong background in management and law enforcement is why I feel I am the best candidate to lead this group.

 

  1. Staffing seems to be an issue across the Midwest right now. Is the Jefferson County Sheriff’s department fully staffed?  If so, how do plan to maintain it?  If not, how do you plan to recruit/fill the vacant spots.

Law Enforcement staffing is a huge issue not only in the Midwest but nationwide.  Currently the Sheriff’s Office is down 4 deputies.  We have 2 deputies attending the 15-week academy at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center and we have 2 open positions that we are taking applications for.  We do have some applicants in the application process now.  I have been working closely with the County Commissioners and the current deputies to compare wages to other Nebraska departments our size.  The comparisons showed all of us that our wages needed to be improved not only to recruit new applicants, but also retain the quality staff we already have.  With competitive wages, the County’s many benefits, and the advanced law enforcement technology we have in our department we hope to draw applicants to our agency. 

 

  1. What are the biggest challenges facing effective law enforcement in our county and how would you deal with those challenges?

One of the challenges we face is staffing.  Being in a rural area it sometimes limits our pool of applicants.  Less people are choosing a career in law enforcement due to negatively perceived thoughts about this field.  Another challenge we are seeing more often is calls of service dealing with mental health issues.  Jefferson County has some resources and services, but locally its limited.  Something I have already implemented is bringing in Mental Health Services to our inmates as well as starting Peer Support groups within the jail.  Both of these services are at no cost to the inmates and no cost to the Sheriff’s Office budget. 

 

  1. Lastly, Why do you want to be Sheriff of Jefferson County? Why should voters choose you over your opponent?

Growing up in this community and then coming back to raise my family here is the main push for me to pursue becoming the Sheriff for Jefferson County.  My family is my drive to make this a safer and better community.  Strongly rooted in Jefferson County I care about the communities here and the members that make up each community.  Your vote for Jefferson County Sheriff isn’t just about picking someone to manage deputies – you’re also selecting the 911 Director, a financial planner skilled at completing 13 budgets, the overseer of 31 staff and a 19-bed jail, a record keeper for maintaining certifications and training logs, someone responsible for vehicle maintenance, civil processing, VIN inspections and handgun permits, and many other important tasks.  I am committed to responsibly and conservatively managing the County’s tax dollars.  I am very knowledgeable in applying for Federal and State grants.  In my 14-year career I have been awarded numerous grants that help fund important resources for the department, resources that not only save the use of County tax dollars, but also further diversify our skills and equipment to better serve the public.  By voting for me you are choosing the most qualified candidate for this position, the candidate who excels in the areas of management and leadership.

 

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Wilbur Young is a former deputy for Jefferson County


  1. Tell us about yourself. What is your background in law enforcement/managerial experience?

                 I was born and raised in Belleville, Ks and moved to Hebron, NE my freshman year of high school. I began my career in Law Enforcement in 1984 as a Police Officer. I worked as a Chief of   Police for 3 years and received my Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center supervision training in 1987 and my management credentials for law enforcement in 1990. I have held my management credentials for 32 years and actively worked in management level positions for 9 years. I have 16 years of road patrol experience, 15 years of investigations. I have specialized  training and experience (7 years) in supervision of drug operations, undercover operations, and  drug investigations. I have 15 years experience in community policing, and 6 years experience as a field training officer. I have specific training in 911 Center Operations, and I have received over 3,000 hours of law enforcement related training since 1984. I began working in the Emergency Services Field in 1981 as an Emergency Medical Technician and have held that certification for the last 41 years. I served as a volunteer firefighter for 17 years becoming certified as a Firefighter II, Haz-Mat Operations, Wildland Firefighting, and other areas of firefighting.

  1. What qualities must a Sheriff possess to be effective in the position?

                Working in Law Enforcement is mentally, emotionally, and physically demanding. When   it comes to the qualities required to be a Sheriff, the following are the most valued qualities you need to possess and what people have looked for in their Sheriffs for decades:

  • Physical Fitness
  • Devotion to Community
  • Knowledge of the Law
  • Sound Judgment
  • Communication Skills
  • Strong Moral Character
  • Sense of Ethics
  • Compassion, Empathy, and Respect for Others
  • Mental and Physical Agility
  • Patience and Tolerance
  • Strong initiative and perseverance

                If you strive to be a good Sheriff, you must know how to work well with others, to uphold respect for the people you serve, the law, and possess the mental, physical, and emotional capacity to serve your communities, rural areas and the people that live in them.

               There are certain traits that are of more value and are at times used to evaluate the Agency and its personnel. Those traits are:

Communication Skills:  As Sheriff you must be able to communicate in a clear, concise, and confident manner. You must be able to deliver information clearly and accurately when communicating with anyone.

Respect for Individuals: As Sheriff your main duties are to Protect and Serve the communities, rural areas, and the people that live within those areas.

Sound Judgment and Problem Solving: As Sheriff you must be able to work under pressure, maintain your composure and have sound judgment and decision-making skills during various situations. You must be able to reason, weigh consequences, and be able to consider alternatives before deciding what the best course of action is. Without these skills/abilities, situations can be unnecessarily escalated and worsen a situation to the point someone is injured or dies.

Devotion to Community: As Sheriff you must care about your communities, rural areas, and the people that live in them. You must understand the issues and concerns that exist within those areas. You must go beyond “Basic Law Enforcement,” you must have insight into the community’s challenges. You must build a trusting partner/relationship with the communities, rural areas, and citizens.

A Sense of Law and Ethics: As Sheriff you must have an in depth understanding of the law, but also have a strong sense of ethics which can be balanced with the law.

Perseverance and Initiative: As Sheriff you need to be resolute, steady, confident, and motivated to carry out your duties. As Sheriff you must be willing to do this when faced with limited resources and adversity.

  1. What are two of Jefferson County’s most pressing law-enforcement issues? What policies should be implemented to deal with it?

      I believe the most pressing issues for Jefferson County currently are related to drugs/crime and the public's perception of how the Sheriff’s Office is addressing these. It is not an issue of policies needing to be implemented, but an issue of follow-up, follow through and communication. A stronger more forceful approach should be utilized, such as ensuring a thorough investigation has been completed to allow the County Attorney to file a more serious charge based on evidence. Holding the County Attorney more accountable to the county and citizens when it comes to prosecuting these crimes. Utilizing the assistance of other agencies and their expertise when available. Better communication with the citizens and helping the citizens understand why things are handled a certain way, (i.e., per state statute, etc.).

  1. Do you feel the deputies have good relationships with those they serve? How can those relationships be maintained or improved?

      No, I believe the relationships between the Sheriff’s Office and the communities/citizens of Jefferson County have become strained. Throughout my meetings with the citizens within the communities of Jefferson County, I heard one common concern. That concern was the lack of involvement within the communities by the Sheriff’s Office. When asked what they meant, they (the citizens) stated they did not feel the deputies were approachable, and there was a lack of presence within the communities. Citizens did not feel the deputies were social and they did not know who the deputies were. Citizens told me they felt as if they were bothering the Sheriff’s Office and deputies when reporting things because of how the deputies and the dispatchers treated them.

      These are all concerns that can be addressed by the Sheriff through better communication, more community involvement, and deputies making themselves more available to the citizens when they are on patrol. This can be accomplished by taking the time to get out of the patrol vehicle and interacting with people when they are at public activities such as baseball games, softball games, flea markets, school sporting events, etc.. The Sheriff needs to be more involved with the town boards, councils, and community organizations.

  1. Sticking on that point, unity and cohesion within the department has to be critical to its success, much like any other team. How is your relationship with the deputies, and why do you feel you would make the best leader for the group?

     I have not been at the Sheriff’s Office since August of 2021, nor have I been in contact with any of the deputies since. I have only had contact with two deputies and those were only brief encounters. Prior to my leaving, I had a good relationship with the deputies, with exception for a couple of deputies who thought they could do certain investigations better, even though I had far more experience in doing those types of investigations.

     I believe my years of experience, specialized training, maturity, and the relationships I have built with the citizens of Jefferson County will enable me to collaborate with the staff at the Sheriff’s Office in a way that will improve the overall perception of the Sheriff’s Office by the citizens of Jefferson County. As Sheriff you need to involve and listen to your staff, and you need to be willing to do the same jobs you expect of your staff.

  1. Staffing seems to be an issue across the Midwest right now. Is the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department fully staffed? If so, how do you plan to maintain it? If not, how do you plan to recruit/fill the vacant spots?

     From what I have been told by a current deputy that was at one of my meetings, the Sheriff’s Office is down one road deputy and one court security deputy. Should I become Sheriff, I will work to maintain the current staffing levels through recruiting quality candidates utilizing contacts through other agencies, the training center, and through deputies and other law enforcement officer contacts. I will listen to staff and work with them to provide needed support when necessary and appropriate.

  1. What are the biggest challenges facing effective law enforcement in our county and how would you deal with those challenges?

     The biggest challenge facing effective law enforcement is the lack of confidence in our Sheriff’s Office. Because of this lack of confidence, citizens are not willing to involve themselves and they do not trust the Sheriff’s Office to follow through on complaints. Citizens have stated on many occasions, they will not call to make reports because the Sheriff’s Office will not do anything about it.

       I will deal with this issue through communication and involvement with the community. I will take the time to listen to what citizens are saying, what their concerns are, and explain why the Sheriff’s Office can or cannot act on a specific matter. My main goal is to re-establish the citizens confidence in the Sheriff’s Office and show that their concerns and complaints are heard and followed up on by the Sheriff’s Office.

       Numerous citizens have voiced their concerns over the lack of professionalism shown by several deputies over the last month, not only while working, but on social media too. This is something the Sheriff will have to manage through discussions, policy, and reminding staff of the importance of their actions and how people perceive those actions.

  1. Lastly, why do you want to be Sheriff of Jefferson County? Why should voters choose you over your opponent?

          I am running for Sheriff because the citizens of Jefferson County need a Sheriff that will be actively involved in the County. A Sheriff that will take the time to communicate on a regular basis with every town board/city council. A Sheriff that will update them on the activities that have taken place within their communities. A Sheriff that is going to take a strong stance on crime and drug violations and work with the communities to find ways to eliminate conditions that attract these types of activities. A Sheriff that will push for stronger punishments when appropriate.

         I am not running for Sheriff for myself, but for you the citizens of Jefferson County. I want to collaborate with you to make Jefferson County a better, safer place for our families and a county we can all be proud of. A county that takes a strong stance against crime working as a team with its citizens.

          I have the experience, training, knowledge, maturity, and the ability to build the relationships needed to ensure the Sheriff’s Office is successful. I have a passion for serving the citizens of Jefferson County and will strive to provide strong law enforcement to the county utilizing all resources available to the Sheriff’s Office.