Before he was sheriff, there were vests in the jail that the deputies shared. One of the first changes he made was a switch to custom-fitted body armor. ![]() Not only mine, but also my coworkers’.”Īs he continued to work up the ranks, officer safety became even more important to Gardner and when he became sheriff, he had to ensure that his supervisors, commanders and staff knew that he would do everything to help keep them safe. From that moment on-being a brand-new deputy-I was concerned about officer safety. ![]() Back in the early 1980s, I was one of our first officers to attend the Calibre Press Street Survival seminars that came into our community. “I’ve always been concerned about officer safety. “I understand when my employees have complaints or concerns about their jobs because chances are pretty good that I performed their jobs in the past,” he says. He continued to work up the ranks and was elected sheriff in 2009. He was appointed as a special deputy in 1981 and was hired as a full-time deputy in 1982. Gardner has been with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office since 1978, first as a volunteer sheriff cadet before being hired as a civilian communications operator. Balling has created a culture of safety at his agency, proving that smaller agencies, such as his, can implement and maintain officer safety and wellness programs even while working with smaller budgets. ![]() Gardner has implemented a wide range of general, traffic, pandemic and wellness programs to ensure the health and safety of both his deputies and his staff. Two of the speakers, Linn County, Iowa Sheriff Brian Gardner and Sydney, Ohio Police Chief William Balling, lead agencies that have won Destination Zero National Officer Safety and Wellness Comprehensive Safety awards. The 2021 Destination Zero conference, hosted by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, brings together thought leaders to discuss successful programs. When looking at ways to keep officers safe and healthy, many law enforcement agencies are now taking a holistic approach.
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