Officer Returns Home To Improve Area

After serving in the U.S. Army for nearly 14 years, Centennial Colon has returned with the goal of helping others as a member of the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office.

Colon graduated from Poplar High School in 2005 and then joined the Army. His 13 years and nine months with the Army included tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He has now served for the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office for about one year.

“I wanted to be closer to family,” he noted.

Colon, who holds a degree in criminal justice, felt the position would fit well for him.

“I want to thank the sheriff’s office for giving me the opportunity,” he said.

Colon feels there’s definitely more crime in the area than when he was growing up. He is hoping to make a difference in the war against meth.

“It’s one of the driving reasons I wanted to work for the sheriff’s office,” Colon said of trying to reduce drug use.

He was proud to graduate from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy on March 23.

During the graduation ceremony, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen said, “Meth is a poison that is tearing apart families and causing crime to surge. Law enforcement officers have always been an important part of our state, but Montanans need you now more than ever. There will come a time when you must work together to protect public safety, and that’s why you trained together. It’s our hope that each of you leaves here with working relationships with your fellow officers in other agencies.”

During his first year with the sheriff’s office, Colon worked mainly the east end of the county from Fort Kipp to the state line. He is now serving in the Poplar area.

“It’s good to get out and meet people throughout the community,” Colon said.

He enjoys spending time with his wife and their oneyear- old girl. Hobbies include spending time with family members.