SAGUACHE COUNTY — Chester Havens, Sr. will run as a write-in candidate for the position of Saguache County Sheriff against incumbent Sheriff Mike Norris and Republican candidate Richard Pascoe.

Havens has a long history of service in law enforcement. He currently is employed at Center Readi-Mix. Havens and his wife Gwenda live in Lazy KV Estates in northern Saguache County. They have been married for 34 years, have four children and five grandchildren.

The whole family gathered recently to ride in the La Garita Day parade Saturday to support Havens’ run for sheriff.

In the 1990s, Havens spent several years as a Park County Sheriff’s deputy and also served four years as a reserve officer for the Fairplay Police Department. He was a sheriff’s deputy in Summit County from 1998-99.

Havens said that he feels that because he is applying for the sheriff’s position as he would for any other job, he should list his qualifications resume style for voters to examine. On his resume he lists 10 commendations received during his service as a sheriff’s deputy and reserve police officer, including officer and reserve officer of the year in Park County.

The remaining eight commendations listed on his flyer were awarded by Clear Creek, Summit and Park counties, also the Fairplay Police Department. Several of the commendations awarded were for dedication, loyalty and professionalism.

During his time as deputy, Havens received anti-terrorism training in Park County, something he feels would be an important asset in serving as sheriff today. He also served as an assistant fire chief for the Northwest Fire Protection District and was an emergency medical technician during his time in Fairplay.

Havens said he also will soon complete his associate’s degree in small business administration and has done well in all his courses.

In 1992, Havens was selected to serve as a personal security guard for Pope John Paul II when he came to Denver for World Youth Day. He says it was an honor to be chosen for the job and he greatly enjoyed his assignment, “even though I am not a Catholic.”

Havens’ main objective in seeking the sheriff’s position is to do whatever it takes to provide equal justice for all residents, regardless of their socio-economic condition or their remote location in the county. In his campaign flyer, Havens describes himself as an “honest, independent and proactive” candidate, a dedicated enforcer of the law and a “caring neighbor.”

He truly feels that his sworn duty as sheriff is to protect and serve all residents in the county, and gives this oath to do so: “I solemnly swear by the ever living God to serve and protect and to support the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of Colorado.”