The Winnebago County Sheriff has sponsored an active reserve unit
since November, 1995. There are currently three trained reserve officers.
The Reserve Officers assist and support the Winnebago County Sheriff
in patrol operations within the County. Our Reserve Officers are required
to work a minimum of sixteen hours a month. This time is used for training,
along with the law enforcement and other safety related activities. A few
of the these activities include farm checks, civil and criminal process,
traffic control at accidents and town celebrations, ambulance calls, and
special projects or functions required by the Sheriff.
Additionally, Reserve Officers have been called upon to assist citizens in
other areas of the State of Iowa. The Winnebago County Reserves have
been involved in disaster assistance after tornado's in St. Peter, MN and
Nashua, IA.
Under Iowa Law, reserve officers are required to complete 150 hours of
training with their first four years of service. This training is held in Waterloo,
IA, and is held on weekends to accommodate reserves who have full time
jobs. Initial training and continuing education costs are the most expensive
items in the Reserve budget. The Reserve Officers furnish their own
weapon and on average spend over $1000.00 of their own money to equip
themselves.
The Reserve Unit holds several fund raisers throughout the year to help
offset the cost of a reserve squad car and other equipment, training and
maintenance. During the holidays, citizens of the County are asked to
support this unit through a direct mail campaign. This campaign allows
those who appreciate the work of these dedicated volunteers to become a
monetary supporter of their efforts. The Reserve Unit also sponsors two
demolition derbies during the summer. These derbies are held at the
Winnebago County Fairgrounds in Thompson, IA. These Demolition Derbies
are held each year during the Winnebago County Fair (July), and during
the Labor Day weekend (September). If you would like additional
information on the Winnebago County Sheriff Reserve program or their fund
raisers, please contact Reserve Captain James Olson or Sheriff Lillquist
at the Sheriff's Office. |