My plan was to give a six-month update into how the position of sheriff has been going, but when I looked at my calendar and it was already August, I think I finally realized that time was slipping away from me as fast as I could think.

I wanted to give the citizens of Hamilton County an update on what we have accomplished at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office in my first six months, but now that is eight months. But it has been an incredibly busy and productive eight months. We have accomplished a lot, and I have nothing but praise and admiration for the staff that has been assembled here at the office.

At the heart of these many accomplishments is a commitment to accountability, transparency and service. From implementing advanced techniques to keep the public aware and involved, including more social media campaigns plus our newly-launched mobile app, the office has shown a willingness to adapt, learn and lead with integrity.

These measures only enhance public trust. This will always be my No. 1 goal; without public trust we lose the ability to truly do our jobs to the best of our ability.

Equally important is the work being done behind the scenes, such as investments in training, especially in specialization for each deputy and what really motivates each of them. This is done so that the passion a law enforcement officer has on Day One of their career doesn’t fade with monotony of the job that sometimes can occur. This also allows for the department to have deputies that are “experts” in their given field, such as OWI enforcement, investigations, and drug interdiction. Those are just some of the many areas for which deputies have attended continued training.

The sheriff’s office has also strengthened its relationship with the community.

The most impactful, in my opinion, is the creation and implementation of the school resource officer position that was in conjunction with the South Hamilton Community School District. I will say it repeatedly: The administration, teachers and school board of South Hamilton were the driving force on that initiative and deserve nothing but praise.

School outreach programs are building bridges that are crucial in today’s climate. These initiatives aren’t just symbolic, they are strategic efforts to foster trust, cooperation and shared responsibility for community well-being.

We have started many programs and made several changes in the short eight months I have had the pleasure of being the sheriff of Hamilton County. The aforementioned school resource officer, our K9 program with Deputy Brandon Pritchard and Moab, more involvement in our schools and interaction with the public, and our new Mobile App which already has close to 500 downloads in less than a week.

This doesn’t take into account the changes we have made in the jail atmosphere, such as scheduling and shift coverage, which I believe are only going to make morale go higher.

However, I believe our biggest accomplishment is teaming together with the Webster City Police Department and leaders, City Council and City of Webster City administration to bring a streamlined dispatch service to Hamilton County.

The relationship with the WCPD is one that needs to be strong and cohesive. Having the same dispatch center will not only strengthen that, but it will bring better services to the citizens of Hamilton County.

The county dispatch center already took all the county’s 911 calls, plus several other calls. We have the agreement and situation worked out that nothing is being “dumped” on the other. Rather, we are working hand in hand to streamline services, which makes the most sense for the taxpayer of Hamilton County. This will be an ongoing learning curve, but I believe it will be one that will be most beneficial to the citizens.

We have come a long way in a short time, but that time went quickly. I cannot in good conscience continue this without absolutely praising my leadership team at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.

Luanne Paper, the office manager, has been a wealth of knowledge and is not afraid to tell me to slow down or let me know where I am wrong. That is exactly what I need in this position.

Alicia Salic-Leeck, the jail administrator, has been wonderful for talking things through, getting the job done and making hard decisions that most people wouldn’t want.

Chris Segar, dispatch supervisor, has been incredible in these conversations about our dispatch merger, whether it be with my questions, her expertise or simply being the person others can go to and talk out their thoughts and feelings.

Chief Deputy Gary Johnson gets the brunt of my rambling conversations and communication. He is my go-to for any questions, hard decision-making or just venting.

This list doesn’t mention the others in leadership, such as jail supervisors Jessi Reding-Ratcliff and Sam Lozano who not only work on the jail floor but also must deal with being the first line supervisor; they will never get the praise they deserve, but I will try.

I also cannot forget the people on the road, behind the radio or locked inside a secure facility either. Our deputies, dispatchers and jailers have a thankless job, so I beg for anyone reading this, find one of them and thank them, whether it be for the sheriff’s office or police department. It will mean more than you think. We wouldn’t be as successful as we have been without those hard-working men and women.

We have come a long way already, but we are far from where my vision can take our office. Public safety is a collective effort.

Last, but not least, I want to thank the public for being valuable partners.

Make it a great day!

Alex H. Pruismann is Hamilton County Sheriff.