Ex-deputy to challenge sheriff in primary

Greg Berry

Two years after leaving the sheriff's department, former deputy Greg Berry hopes to return to the office, this time as sheriff.

Berry, a Mountain Home native, already has 18 years of law enforcement service under his belt and will challenge Sheriff Rick Layher on the Republican ballot in the May primary elections.

Greg first entered law enforcement as a reserve officer with the Mountain Home Police Department, before moving to a full time position with the city department for five years. He then changed uniforms, becoming a patrol officer for the Elmore County Sheriff's Office.

Berry moved up through the ranks, from patrol to serving six years as Narcotics Detective and handler of the county's first K-9 officer, a black lab named Rocket. Together the two provided demonstrations on a regular basis not only for school children, but for the general public.

"Rocket made my job fun," said Berry. "He was always so patient, letting all the kids pet him and hang all over him after the demonstrations or during open house events. But he was ready to go when it came time to work." After serving as the department's only K-9 officer for a number of years, Rocket retired.

Berry then moved up to become captain overseeing the detective division, where he remained until February 2002.

"It was a hard decision," he said, noting that he had many sleepless nights before he determined it was time for a break from law enforcement. "I always loved the job itself. I respect the badge so much. But I had to have a breather, had to take a break."

He handed in his papers and went to work in the family business, Mountain Home Redi Mix. Even after he left the department, he would still get calls from people asking advice or wishing to report something to the law enforcement officer.

It was almost as difficult to decide to throw his hat into the ring for the sheriff's position. But with the complete support of his family who encouraged him to move on, Berry filed his petition.

"They say that law enforcement gets into your blood, and I just wasn't able to get it out of my system." The decision to run for the sheriff's office just seemed like the obvious choice. "I'm not getting any younger, and I had already moved beyond patrol. I couldn't just step back in as captain of the detective division, so the sheriff's office is the only place to go."

Berry hopes to be able to lead the department into the future. With the county's tremendous growth over the past decade, the problems have just accelerated. "I am very much into training," he said. "Crime is escalating and the violence is getting worse. We need to make sure people are capable of handling themselves safely."

He said there are a number of issues that need to be looked at as the election draws close. He noted there are a lot of great people working with the department and they are doing a great job. But he feels it is time to bring all of the divisions closer together, working for a common goal. "The community deserves a change and more opportunities to make a difference."

He noted the county has to have a new jail and he plans to be active in getting that done.

Born in Mountain Home to an Air Force family, he traveled with them until his father retired and the family returned to the community in 1976. Greg and his wife, Lisa, graduated from Mountain Home High School in the same class and now have two daughters attending local schools.

Berry encourages all county residents to go to the polls in May. That is where the voters will determine who will move forward to the general election in November.