Deputy Jeff Pelle of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) has law enforcement in his blood – he is a third-generation peace officer. Joe Pelle, Jeff’s dad, recently retired after 43 years of police service, including 20 years as sheriff of Boulder County.

Jeff grew up in Longmont and then attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley studying criminal justice.

Beginning his law enforcement career in 2012 with the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, in 2016, Jeff moved to DCSO. “We moved to the Douglas County area to be closer to our family,” he explained.

DCSO was at the top of his list because of its excellent reputation and top-notch equipment. Jeff knew he wanted to work for an outstanding agency. He also knew that he wanted to live and raise his family in a community that supported an agency like DCSO. Keeping public safety in the family, Jeff’s wife Kendra also works for DCSO as a civilian employee.

Jeff has five years experience on patrol, seven years as a detective and 10 years with SWAT. Currently, he works in the Community Resources Unit (CRU), is a member of the Douglas County Regional SWAT team, and a public information officer and spokesperson for DCSO.

Relatively new to the CRU, Jeff enjoys involvement in community events and meetings with residents about safety planning and education for businesses, churches, banks, schools and other organizations. CRU focuses on conducting threat assessments, active threat training and crime prevention for businesses and community organizations in the area.

Working in partnership, DCSO and civilians within the community are “trying to make Douglas County a better and safer place for everyone living here,” Jeff added.

Jeff also participates in community events, large gatherings, DCSO outreach programs, like Christmas for Kids, and gives presentations to various community groups.

“Every day is different. I get to participate in fun events with the DCSO and connect with the community outside of regular law enforcement interaction,” said Jeff.

In his other role at DCSO, Jeff is an on-call member of the SWAT team, which requires him to train regularly. SWAT handles high-risk search and arrest warrants, barricaded subjects and hostage rescues.

The friendships that Jeff has developed with fellow SWAT team members runs deep. “We all work closely together, train together and have become very close. We also participate in training that most law enforcement officers do not get the opportunity to do,” Jeff said.

Jeff and Kendra have two daughters and two dogs. Jeff enjoys hiking, camping, spending time with family, going to the gym and cheering for the Broncos.

Jeff is grateful for the strong support Douglas County gives back to public safety personnel. “The people of Douglas County are amazing,” concluded Jeff. “I am lucky to work for a community that supports the police. In today’s world, we do not take that for granted.”

 

By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Jeff Pelle