Leavenworth County Sheriff retires after 44 years
Sheriff David Zoellner is retiring after 44 years. He was born and raised in Leavenworth County, and says his passion for law came at an early age. “I went to work for a record shop and I use to watch the trooper drive by,” says Zoellner. “Every time I’d see him, it would fascinate me.”
But he says walking away isn’t the easiest thing to do; it’s just the right thing. He says times have changed and he believes there is someone else that can now do his job better than himself. Zoellner says today’s society is technology driven and a younger person would be better for the position.
Zoellner says he will miss wearing his badge. He spoke about his love for protecting his community. It wasn’t always easy though, he says. Being the bearer of bad news came with the territory, but spreading bad news never got easier. “The hardest thing is working a fatal accident, and then going to tell parents and siblings that their loved one is dead,” Zoellner said
He also explained that not just anyone should be allowed to put on a uniform and wear the badge. He says the badge is a symbol of public trust that shouldn’t be taken for granted.