Webster County was greeted with a new sheriff’s deputy last week at a time when most communities around the nation are in need of more public servants.
A former staffer at the Webster County Jail and reserve police officer in Dayton from 2017 to 2019, the 26-year-old Deputy Tyler Holbrook told The Messenger that he’s excited to be back home after going away briefly to attend the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and work for the City of Britt in Hancock County.
“He’s enthusiastic to learn and progress,” said Sheriff Jim Stubbs, also saying that his youth can bring a fresh perspective to the force.
Stubbs additionally noted that the number of candidates for law enforcement positions has diminished in the last several years, making the hiring of such a strong candidate more important than ever.
“He’s a qualified candidate, has experience in the community, grew up close to us, and will be here for a long time,” Chief Deputy Rod Strait told Webster County Supervisors.
Holbrook, a Boone native, said he always knew he’d be back when he left the county jail – just maybe not so soon.
“I always knew I was going to come back here,” he said. “I knew this is the place I wanted to be.”
He said that he felt lucky that the opportunity presented itself sooner rather than later and is thankful to be in a position to make a difference for the community.
“It’s all a platform to do a lot of good,” Holbrook said.
Holbrook jumps into his new position during uncertain times for the local community and well beyond but because of his experience and education his new colleagues are excited for him to get started.
“We’re just excited to have him and for him to gain experience and do an excellent job for the citizens of Webster County,” Stubbs said.
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