'Wellington's finest' bring experience, perspective

By Gary Raham
Wellington Correspondent

While the wise and helpful image of Sheriff Taylor on the old Andy Griffith show might seem a bit corny, Wellington's law enforcement officers all cite a desire to help people solve problems as a prime motivator for working in the community.

Wellington has four individuals, whose services are purchased from the Larimer County Sheriff's Department, with experience, an affinity for small town life and a genuine desire to "protect and serve."

Sgt. Jeff Van Hook came to Wellington in April with new sergeant stripes but nearly 13 years of experience in Larimer County. He has worked as a detention officer, a general investigator specializing in property crimes and as an undercover narcotics officer. Van Hook loves the "fun challenges" of his career as well as working with children. He brings the experience of raising two sons and a daughter of his own.

Van Hook gains great satisfaction out of helping the victims of crime and bringing victimizers to justice. He is proud to have served as part of a state grand jury that indicted two disreputable bail bondsmen not long ago. Van Hook much prefers fieldwork to paper work any day. On his own time, he enjoys camping, fishing and outdoor activities.

Deputy Jean Fletcher logged 19 years with the Larimer County Sheriff's Office in March and has worked in Wellington for two years. She likes the small-town atmosphere of Wellington, which reminds her of her roots in Oklahoma. Fletcher has worked on patrol mostly, but also served in the civil division, which deals with warrants, evictions, child disputes and repossessions. She has greatly enjoyed time spent teaching in local schools.

She likes to spend free time working with her dogs, collecting antiques and riding motorcycles with her husband. They have been known to visit the rally in Sturgis in years past. Fletcher is also an active member of the Timberline Church.

Deputy Jim Lafferty has served nine years as an officer and has been in Wellington since October 2004. He says working in Wellington involves more interactions with children, which is work he enjoys. Lafferty organized the recent bike fair at Eyestone Elementary School, teaching young students about bike safety in a fun and festive setting.

Lafferty enjoys spending time with his wife and children, some of which includes fishing and camping. His son attends Lincoln Junior High and his daughter attends Putnam Elementary.

Deputy Aaron Gropp began serving full time in Wellington just this June, but he has already spent considerable patrol time in the area during his four years with the Larimer County Sheriff's Office. Gropp grew up in Nebraska and worked one year as a patrol officer in Lincoln. Subsequently, he worked in other professions for a decade before entering law enforcement again. He says Wellington reminds him of the small town of Friend, Neb., where he grew up. He is currently looking for the perfect place to do some bass fishing on his off time.

Wellington may not be exactly the western version of Mayberry RFD, but it does have a community-minded police force ready to extend a small-town helping hand.