The Grand Lake area
Monday, June 7, 1993
Walker proud of Sheriff’s staff since taking over
Regina Perry
New-Record staff writer
With over 20 years of experience under his holster, Ottawa County Sheriff James “Ed” Walker looks forward to improving the services offered by the county and is extremely proud of his staff and their performance on the job.
“I didn’t grow up wanting to be a policeman, I really wanted to be a farmer and rancher,” he said, “My dad, Jess, was the Marshall for Welch. When I was Looking for a job, so I thought ‘dad’s in it, why not.’ That’s when I applied at the Miami Police Department and they accepted my application.”
That was in 1972, and for the next three years he drove an ambulance for the department. He then went on to become a patrolman and later a detective, working in that capacity for seven years.
During that period his dad became the Craig County Sheriff and once again influenced him to start thinking about running for sheriff.
“I had planned for five years to run for the Craig County Sheriff position, but then several local officers approached me with the idea that I would be able to do a good job right here in Ottawa County,” Walker said.
He now has set some new goals for his office.
“Our department is currently working on several unsolved homicides in the county in an effort to see that justice is served. We are also establishing greater unity within all the local law enforcement agencies, which will enhance the efficiency of all the departments,” he said.
He feels that the greatest change within law enforcement has also created the largest obstacle in upholding the laws.
“I think the legalities of the arrest procedures and the precedent setting civil lawsuits have been the biggest change that I’ve seen. And it has made it much harder for officers to do their jobs.” He said.
Even with the long hours and high stress level, Walker enjoys his work and looks forward to being remembered in a positive light.
“I have enjoyed the rewarding experience of helping people a great deal,” he said, “And I want the citizens of Ottawa County to be proud of this department.
“When I leave this office, I would like to be remembered as a honest sheriff who the people could talk to about their problems and get some help in solving them,” he said.
He feels the one cent sales tax the community voted in is the best contribution they could have made to assist the department in reaching an acceptable efficiency level in performing their duties.
When Walker is not working he enjoys restoring his 1931 Model A. He also has restored 1966 Ford convertible and a 1965 Cadillac he enjoys driving.
His wife, Rhonda is supportive of his career, but wishes he had more time to spend with the family.
Walker has advice for any prospective law enforcement officers.
“Get at least two years of college in the field of Criminal Justice, then visit with a seasoned officer to get a real idea of what it will really be like,” he said. “It takes a special person to work in law enforcement and you need to be absolutely sure it’s what you want to spend the rest of your life doing.”
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