There has been an overabundance of rhetoric and unsubstantiated information recently concerning our sheriff of Lewis County. I would like to clear the air as a member of the Lewis County Sheriff's Office (LCSO). This is my opinion and not representative of the LCSO.
I have been an employee of the LCSO since 2000 and a member of law enforcement for 31 years. I am currently a patrol sergeant and I have had the opportunity to serve in several positions within the LCSO. I have had the privilege to work with Rob Snaza, initially as my patrol sergeant up through his rank to the current, elected sheriff of Lewis County.
Sheriff Snaza is the most dedicated and passionate law enforcement official I have ever known and personally seen in action. Some might say, "His actions right now are a campaign strategy and simply for political gain." What you should know is Sheriff Snaza always has and always will have our county's best interest at heart, regardless of this being an election year. The list is long and eminent with his contributions to our agency and our entire county. He is a true leader, not just by effectiveness but also by example. Not only does he hold people accountable who commit crimes, but also gives them the resources and opportunities for success afterwards.
Some of the views you may have heard or read about in recent months concerning turnover within the LCSO should be directly pointed at some of the most controversial legislative changes in the history of our state that directly affect how we are able to do our jobs and maintain our laws mandated to us as law enforcement officials. No one was forced to leave. It was each individual’s choice due to the impact of extreme legislative changes within our state, including police reform in general. We lost droves of deputies, officers and troopers due to these changes. This is certainly not just a Lewis County issue; it is at the complete state level as well.
Sheriff Snaza and the entire administrative team have remained focused on providing public safety through professional service. This incorporates various ongoing training which includes leadership training and many other updated legislative training to all employees, that directly benefits the citizens of Lewis County.
I personally chose to wait to be promoted under the leadership of Sheriff Snaza, due to my respect for his dedication and his striving for the citizens of Lewis County, even before becoming the sheriff of Lewis County.
This is my endorsement for Rob Snaza for Lewis County Sheriff, and why I believe we are safer and stronger with Snaza.
Jeff Godbey
Chehali
