Craig Daily Press

Photo by Michelle Perry

Monday marked the first six months in office for Moffat County Sheriff Tim Jantz. Jantz said his administration has had some successes in its first few months in office and is poised to answer future challenges. One of the areas Jantz has tried to improve upon is being accessible to public comments and concerns.

Craig — During his 2006 campaign for the highest law enforcement office in Moffat County, then-sergeant Tim Jantz said he had no doubts about his ability to serve as the county’s next sheriff.

Midway through his first year on the job, Jantz hasn’t softened that hard-line stance.

“None whatsoever,” Jantz said. “I want to make sure the law enforcement needs of Moffat County are met.”

Monday marked the first six months in office for Jantz and other Moffat County officials voted into office in the November 2006 general election.

Jantz, a law enforcement veteran with more than 20 years experience, defeated challengers Vic Alton and Don Kroese in the general election by receiving about 68 percent of the total vote.

The sheriff said there has been a learning curve in his first few months, but that his office also has notched several successes.

“I’m trying to look at small goals,” he said. “We wanted to transition well and get (the sheriff’s office) to full staff, which I believe we’ve met.”

Jantz said two deputies have been hired and are in training, which would bring his office to full staff. The Sheriff’s Office roster includes eight deputies in Craig, one in Dinosaur, two patrol sergeants and two investigators.

A priority for Jantz coming into office was making himself available to the public. He said the adjustment from a strictly law enforcement role as sergeant to being accessible to public comment and concerns as sheriff has gone well.

It’s a relationship the sheriff said he hopes to continue improving.

“I’m hoping we’re on that road and continue to be on that road,” he said.

Challenges for the year ahead are centered on maintaining revenue at the Moffat County Jail and battling area methamphetamine distribution.

The latter category was challenged earlier this year when the Sheriff’s Office-supported Greater Routt and Moffat Narcotic Enforcement Team had its funding slashed after Routt County withdrew from the drug task force.

The task force changed its name to the All Crimes Enforcement Team, or ACET, and after reshuffling its structure, has regained its footing.

Jantz said losing Routt County hurt the task force temporarily, but he’s confident the unit is back to its goal of stemming the tide of illegal narcotics.

“Members of that team are still working hard,” he said. “They are still viable, believe me. … They are completely dedicated to it.”

Like the first half of his first year, Jantz said there is one primary goal in mind for serving the public.

“We are going to continue to do the very best we can for Moffat County,” he said.

• Joshua Roberts can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 210, or jroberts@craigdailypress.com.