The Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association, with the motto “Protect, Serve, Uphold and Defend,” named Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf  “2016 Sheriff of the Year” at its national conference in Maryland Jan. 21.

 

Undersheriff Matt Houchlei told the Barry County Commission of the national award for Leaf.

“I think the award is very important for its significance for the residents of Barry County and the fact that we have Sheriff Leaf

representing us in this office,” he said. The award reads: “For his unwavering courage in standing for  American liberty and the United States Constitution.”  “It is an awesome award and I was glad to see him receive it,” Houchlei said.

 

Leaf said he was quite surprised to receive the honor. “It was toward the end of a long day; these are training conferences, this was a long one.…I was kinda listening like you do at the end of the day, when I heard my name. It’s quite an honor, something I will treasure forever.”

 

“There are a lot of sheriffs in this country. It is a testament to your leadership that you were recognized for what you’ve done here in Barry County,” Commissioner Ben Geiger said.  “Thank you for your service Dar,” Commissioner Jon Smelker said.

 

In other business Tuesday, the commission:

 

*approved bids for the renovations of the Barry County Courthouse totaling $342,404.

 

*appointed incumbent Charles Pullen for a four-year term on the Barry County Veterans Committee, and to increase the three person committee to five, effective immediately. With a new relaxed requirement that now allows veterans who did not serve in wartime to serve on the committee, the commission will advertise the two additional positions.

 

* approved a resolution of intent for Barry County Transit Director William Voigt to apply for state and federal funds for transit operations and appoint him the transportation coordinator.

 

Photo: Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf