I’m writing this letter to let the citizens of San Juan County know that I support Jeff Asher for Sheriff of San Juan County. Unfortunately, due to work obligations, I have not had the opportunity to personally be present to show my support for Jeff’s campaign for Sheriff.

While serving as San Juan County Deputy Sheriff, I supported Jeff in the 2002 Sheriff’s election and know how difficult it can be to support a candidate that your direct supervisors (Undersheriff Jon Zerby, Sgt. Scott Brennan and Sgt. Steve Vierthaler) and senior deputies (Scott Johanson and Eric Gardiner) vehemently oppose.

I worked with Jeff as a fellow deputy for six and a half years, and for the past eight years served under his leadership as a member of the San Juan County Dive Rescue Team, for which Jeff is the team Coordinator. During this time, I had the unique opportunity to see Jeff respond to many diverse situations. I witnessed Jeff’s ability, both as a deputy and dive team coordinator to lead, teach and coordinate both inter-agency and multi-agency training for rescue/recovery missions.

I believe that Jeff has the foresight to obtain the funding for desperately needed training and equipment. A plan that will bring the Sheriff’s department and its employees to the level of expertise that we as a community expect and deserve. And the leadership it will take to pull the Sheriff’s department back together so that our first responders can serve us, the community, in a safe, efficient and effective manner.

Please join me in voting for Jeff Asher for Sheriff.

Shelly Trepl

San Juan Island