Brent Baker (left) and Dan Loya, courtesy photos

Two candidates, Brent Baker and Dan Loya, are running as Republicans for the Garfield County Sheriff position, to be vacated by longtime Sheriff Lou Vallario. They are the only two candidates who’ve thrown their hats in the ring, with no Democrat candidate, which reasons that whoever voters decide on in the upcoming June 30 primary will be the presumptive winner. 

The Sopris Sun asked the same questions of each candidate for this Q&A, which has been edited for clarity and brevity. You can find an extended Q&A at soprissun.com 

  1. What prepares you for this role? 
  1. What are the biggest public safety challenges facing Garfield County?
  1. What would you do differently from Sheriff Lou Vallario? What would you do similarly? 
  1. In the wake of immigration enforcement crackdowns locally and nationally, how would you handle the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office’s positioning in this current climate? 
  1. What are your thoughts about the City of Glenwood Springs withdrawing its police department from SPEAR? 
  1. Anything else you would like to add? 

Brent Baker

  1. I’ve served in law enforcement for more than 24 years, nearly all of it with the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. I’ve worked patrol, investigations, K9, field training, supervision and leadership assignments. I currently serve as patrol lieutenant. Along the way, I completed executive-level leadership training, earned several professional awards and obtained my bachelor’s degree in business administration. That combination of frontline experience, leadership training and education gives me a clear understanding of what has made our Sheriff’s Office successful, and what we must improve to meet the future.
  2. The biggest challenge facing Garfield County law enforcement is delivering excellent service in a rapidly changing environment. Calls for service today often involve mental health crises, substance abuse and complex social issues. Deputies are expected to respond professionally, compassionately and effectively every time. We must continue adapting, investing in training and strengthening partnerships with mental health providers, schools, hospitals and community organizations. Public safety works best when law enforcement and community partners work together. My goal is to ensure our deputies have the resources, support and partnerships needed to keep Garfield County safe.
  3. Sheriff Vallario has been an outstanding mentor and leader during my 24 years with the department. I respect the foundation he built, but my leadership style is different. I believe in measured, thoughtful decision-making and strong collaboration with other leaders and community partners. I will continue supporting the excellent team and positive culture we’ve built within the Sheriff’s Office. Recruitment and retention matter, and people want to work where they feel valued and supported. I also believe we must communicate more openly with the public through community meetings, social media and direct engagement.
  4. Colorado law is clear: Local law enforcement does not enforce federal immigration law. As sheriff, I will follow Colorado law and focus on the mission of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office — protecting the safety and security of everyone in our county. We will continue to serve all residents and visitors professionally and fairly, regardless of where they are from. Public safety depends on trust, and people must feel comfortable calling law enforcement when they need help or want to report a crime.
  5. I believe we need to repair that relationship with the City of Glenwood Springs. We have a strong working relationship with the police department, but city leadership decided to [withdraw]. I believe that through open communication, education and collaborative negotiations, we can quickly bring the city back into the task force.
  6. Garfield County is fortunate to have strong law enforcement agencies and a dedicated Sheriff’s Office. Moving forward, we must strengthen partnerships with local, state and federal agencies, improve communication with the public and preserve the strong culture within our office. We also need to prepare for the future by addressing staffing, training, technology and the growing demands on law enforcement. My focus is simple: Keep Garfield County safe, support our deputies, and build public trust through professionalism, transparency and accountability. I’d be honored to earn your vote in the June primary.

Dan Loya

  1. I have worked in law enforcement for 30 years. A large portion of my experience has been working complex cases (narcotics, undercover, sexual assault, homicides, child abuse, child sexual abuse, white collar crime, etcetera) as well as supervising such investigations. In 2020, during the COVID crisis, I was asked to absorb two command positions for Eagle County: patrol commander and undersheriff. I have been in this dual role since 2020. In this role, I create and implement policy, develop and manage budgets and negotiate and work closely with county officials when required. I hire employees, discipline employees and oversee the detention center, patrol operations and administrative staff. 
  2. Currently, the biggest challenges are drug issues. If you look at my Facebook Page, I have created a drug task force that has been nationally recognized. In the early 1990s, there was the “crack” epidemic, and today we have the prescription and fentanyl crisis. This could be catastrophic to a community if not addressed quickly.
  3. I would be a sheriff who’s more outward facing and engages more with the public. I also feel there’s a better approach to community engagement and building community trust, which I believe is lacking, especially within the Latino community. I’m also big on accountability to the public and holding staff accountable. Being bilingual (Spanish is my native language), I would be able to connect with a large portion of our community that is scared, and does not trust law enforcement locally. Vallario has been a supporter of the Second Amendment. I would do the same. Responsible gun ownership is important, and those freedoms, along with all constitutional rights, shall not be infringed on.
  4. I would create and implement policy that would require and direct staff to obey current state laws. If staff chooses to violate policy and state law, they shall be held accountable for their actions, not only by me but likely by the Colorado Attorney General’s Office and Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training Board. Law enforcement officers are NOT above the law. In my opinion, this is relatively simple, local and state law enforcement have no authority enforcing immigration laws. Follow the law — no exceptions.
  5. The City of Glenwood has to look out for their best interest and do what they feel is best, regardless of what Vallario or anyone else thinks. They have their own governing body who regulates them and ultimately guides their chief of police. If the city attorney is advising them to withdraw because of the risk of a lawsuit because of the alleged violation of state law, then they should listen to their counsel. Lastly, I feel Sheriff Vallario’s letter was unprofessional, completely unnecessary and eroded trust within local governments; and ultimately the citizens and guests are the ones who suffer. 
  6. I am running for Sheriff because Garfield County needs strong, steadfast and proven leadership. Experience and leadership matter now more than ever. My background is unique, combining extensive professional executive experience with a bicultural and bilingual perspective.

Let us know who you’re voting for and why at the Community Hub, previously Mountain Perspectives, an online platform for meaningful dialogue sans toxicity brought to you by The Sopris Sun.