By Kris Goracke

Reporter

In a unanimous decision, the Pope County Board of Commissioners recently appointed Nathan Brecht as the new sheriff, effective after Sheriff Tim Riley retires in late March 2025. 

Brecht, who has served as Chief Deputy since 2011, steps into the new role with deep roots in the community and a commitment to its people. “I grew up here picking rocks and baling hay on my grandfather’s farm. I graduated from Starbuck High School and married my high school sweetheart. We raised our family here. My mom is still a secretary to her church. This is my home,” Brecht shared. “My heart is here, and I’m honored to continue serving our community.”

Brecht’s journey in law enforcement began unexpectedly. “When I returned home after basic training, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so I threw my name on the waiting list for the Law Enforcement Program at Alexandria Technical and Community College,” he recalled. “Two days after school began, I got a call that they had an opening.” Graduating from ATCC’s Law Enforcement Program in 1994, Brecht’s career path led him through various roles, from a guard at Prairie Correctional Facility to part-time positions with the Starbuck, Glenwood, and Cyrus Police Departments and Pope County Sheriff’s Office. Brecht served as an Operator on the West Central SWAT Team from its inception and then as SWAT Commander since 2012.

As he prepares to take the helm, Brecht reflects on the mentors who shaped his career. “I’ve served under three different sheriffs and alongside several others from neighboring counties, and I’ve learned from each of them,” he commented. “The challenges of this career have given me the opportunity to grow as a person. As officers, we are often with people in their worst moments. It gives you perspective and teaches you to have grace for others.”

Brecht emphasizes the importance of understanding and compassion in law enforcement. “Compassion is so important in this profession,” he said. “Finding grace for people and trying to understand why they act the way they do, helps us to have much more positive interactions. We aren’t justifying the action, but understanding the person and their situation helps.”

Looking ahead, Brecht has prioritized updating the Computer Aided Dispatch program. “The one we are currently using is outdated, and we have been informed that the company will no longer support the program,” he explained. “Another key priority is working with the Emergency Manager to update the community alert systems. And when Sheriff Riley retires, we will be hiring another full-time deputy.”

As Brecht takes on his new role he remains deeply grateful for the community’s support. “Our office recognizes how fortunate we are to live in a community that appreciates our work. We also have a Board of Commissioners that have demonstrated strong support for law enforcement time and again,” he said. This sentiment of gratitude extends to his team as well. “This is a bittersweet transition. It’s been an honor to serve under Sheriff Riley. He’s built an amazing work culture and is one of my closest friends. I’m also privileged to work alongside the best team of law enforcement professionals, dispatchers, and support staff. The citizens of Pope County are in good hands.”