Ross Young
Candidate for Mesa County Sheriff
"I have the courage to make the tough calls and protect the citizens of Mesa County and their deputies, no matter the pressure. I lead with character, making decisions with integrity, fairness, and honesty you can rely on. I am fully committed - every single day - to serving Mesa County, keeping our community safe, and earning your trust. Courage. Character. Commitment. That’s the way I lead, and the promise I bring as your next Sheriff."
My wife Vanessa and I have been married for over twenty years, are active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and have four children. Our oldest is attending University in Utah, and our younger children are currently attending High School here in the valley.
Experience
2001 - 2005
Hired by the Mesa County Sheriff's Office as a Detentions Deputy before transferring to Patrol as a Deputy. In 2012, I was selected to be on the Mesa County Sheriff's Office Street Crimes Unit.
2013 - 2017
Hired back to the Mesa County Sheriff's Office to serve as the Co-Response Deputy (Mental Health Initiative) and then selected to work as an Intelligence Officer with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office Intelligence Unit. In 2020, I was selected as an Investigator in the Complex Crimes Investigation Unit.
Moved to Mesa County as a Colorado Native where I attended Colorado Mesa University and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science.
2007 - 2012
Hired by the Fruita Police Department as a Police Officer and then promoted to the rank of Corporal. In 2016, I graduated from Regis University with a Master's Degree in Criminology.
2018 - 2021
2022 - Current
Promoted to the rank of Sergeant at the Mesa County Sheriff's Office and assigned to Patrol. In 2023, I was assigned to the Investigations Division as the Property Crimes Supervisor where I currently oversee Evidence, Patrol Service Technicians, Peer Support, Crime Scene Unit and the Property Crimes Investigations staff.
During my law enforcement career I've had the opportunity and pleasure of serving in many various assignments and in a multitude of disciplines both at the Mesa County Sheriff's Office and the Fruita Police Department. Some of those assignments, collaterals or duties have included:
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Hostage Negotiator
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Public Information Officer
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Peer Support Team Member
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Detentions Shakedown Team Member
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P.O.S.T. Training Academy Instructor
In my tenure I've also received awards and recognition of which I am proud and honored to have received:
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Unit Citation - Patrol Team 2 (2010)
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Mesa County Deputy of the Month (2011)
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Mesa County Sheriff's Office Law Operations Employee of the Year (2011)
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City of Fruita Employee of the Year Nominee (2013)
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Unit Citation - Co-Responder (2019)
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Top Academic Instructor for Western Colorado Peace Officer's Academy (x4) (2018 - 2021)