OURAY – In a statement released to The Watch on March 15, experienced law enforcement officer and Marine Corps veteran Steve Albritton of Ouray announced that he will be running as an Independent candidate for Ouray County Sheriff in the upcoming November election.

Albritton has lived in Ouray County since the mid 90s with his wife (and current County Commissioner) Heidi, and now they have 2-year-old daughter Rowan.

“We live an active lifestyle, like many in Ouray County, and I believe the sheriff’s department should be leading by example, with health, service and community involvement being the cornerstones of its activities,” Albritton stated in his announcement. After nearly a decade of service to the Colorado State Patrol, Albritton resigned in 2005 in order to further his education and professional experience. “Professionalism and customer service are important components of this job. The sheriff’s department exists to serve the needs of our community. Taxpayers expect and deserve a high level of service, they need to feel confident they are getting their money’s worth.”

Albritton is currently serving in Iraq under the direction of the U.S. State Department as an International Police Advisor.

“We are working with the Iraqi police to develop a community-based law enforcement program that will help sustain their efforts toward peace and ‘normalcy’ after all they’ve been through,” he said. “The positive role of peace officers in their community has many parallels at home, and I look forward to sharing my ideas on that front with Ouray County.”

Albritton said that he sees the sheriff’s department as being a facilitator and resource for training, funding and other supporting opportunities for the other volunteer service organizations within Ouray County, such as Mountain Rescue and the fire districts.

“Ouray County has never wanted heavy-handed law enforcement, and that’s not what I bring to the table. I see potential for a higher level of service, professionalism and leadership by the sheriff,” he said. “I’d like to see a citizen advisory body that could help guide departmental policies, and to keep the department firmly grounded in the needs and desires of each part of the community. I’d also like to see sheriff’s deputies become a greater part of the community, and that begins with them living here in Ouray County. It boils down to having a department that is fully engaged in the community it serves.”

Albritton will be back in Ouray County on leave in April, and looks forward to a series of coffee klatches the first week of May to meet residents in the various areas of the county. His duties in Iraq will keep him there until late July, but after that, he said he looks forward to campaigning full- time upon his return this summer. Albritton can be reached via email at: Albrittonnalbritton@gmail.com

“The November election is an exciting opportunity to offer Ouray County voters a choice, and to explore a different type of law enforcement philosophy and skillset. I look forward to earning the community’s vote this fall,” he said.