Five days before an election was scheduled to determine if the deputies and sergeants of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office wished to be represented for purposes of collective bargaining by the local Fraternal Order of Police (FOP – Lodge #47), the County received notice that the FOP had pulled their petition and requested the election be canceled.
“We’ve never believed unions belonged in the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and are pleased to inform those we all serve that there will be no election next week,” said County Commissioner George Teal.
“We remain committed to Sheriff Weekly and all those who serve in our law enforcement ranks for their ongoing service to our community and thank everyone for their support that led to this historic decision,” said County Commissioner Abe Laydon.
“This outcome represents what is best for our Sheriff’s Office and its employees, what is in the best interest of public safety, and the safety of those we all serve,” said County Commissioner Lora Thomas.
“I appreciate the support of the community and the Board of County Commissioners throughout this process,” said Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly. “I also appreciate our deputies’ ability to remain focused on their assigned duties and the work they do each and every day to keep this community safe. We worked diligently to ensure that each member of our team was equipped with the necessary information to make an informed decision on collective bargaining. Now it is time to move forward with the important work of protecting Douglas County.”