To the editor:

In 1998 I became the Chief of Police for the City of State Center. When I arrived I did not know any officers in Marshall County and was completely unfamiliar with how things operated.  My first visitor was Deputy Steve Hoffman. We visited and told stories about our time in Law Enforcement. Steve filled me in on how things went in Marshall County, how to book a prisoner into the jail, how to file a charge, etc. Steve made me feel so welcome and since that time, Steve and I have been very close friends. Through the years I found that no matter how long we were out or on an incident, Steve did not leave until the job was done. We have been to many calls together, some of which literally proved to me that I could truly trust Steve with my life.

I had previously worked in the fire-service and for the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office in California before relocating to Iowa. Sometimes, turf battles occur between law enforcement and fire departments, however, I found Steve’s respect and working relationship with local fire departments and EMS services remarkable as he always puts the mission first. His relationship with other law enforcement agencies is equally as remarkable, always willing to help. Having served as a police chief in small communities, Steve understands the daily struggles that exist for small agencies as well as those at the county level. Steve has shown great leadership at the Sheriff’s Office. He is a professional with all he comes in contact with and strongly believes in being ethical in all aspects of his life.