Who is Joseph Pelle?

Sheriff Joe Pelle took office in January of 2003. Joe is a Colorado native and grew up in Boulder, graduating in 1977 from Fairview High School. The sheriff has a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado, and a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and Public Administration from Metropolitan State College. Joe has over thirty years of progressively responsible policing experience and has worked at both the Sheriff's Office and the Boulder Police Department, in a wide variety of assignments during his career.

Joe is married and has two grown children. He lives in rural Boulder County near Longmont. Joe's hobbies include horses, hiking, fly-fishing, bicycling, and just about anything "outdoors". He has been very active in the community over the years including youth sports, 4H, and the county fair board. Joe and his wife Stephanie are both multi-generation Colorado natives and have a host of family and friends in the area!

Becoming sheriff has been the capstone to a long and interesting career in policing. Managing and leading an organization with a large budget, almost 400 employees, and over 200 volunteers is a big change from "hands-on" police work. Joe believes that his practical experience, education, and leadership skills have helped him become a good leader for this organization and a responsible public steward of the office of sheriff. His emphasis and vision for the Sheriff's Office is centered on good personal character, competence in skills, and open communication. Among these, "Character" is first!