Sheriff Candidate: Zach Meyer

Email Zach at meyer4sheriff@gmail.com

How long, and where have you lived in Gilpin County? I have lived in Gilpin County for nearly 15 years. I lived in mid Gilpin from 2013 to 2015. I have lived in the North end of the county from 2015 to present. 

What post-secondary schools have you attended?  I attended Lamar Community College in Lamar, Colorado, for one semester in 2008 before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Following my military service, I attended Lincoln College of Technology in 2015 to pursue training in welding. I graduated summa cum laude, demonstrating my commitment to academic excellence and professional development. My educational experiences, combined with my military and law enforcement training, have reinforced the importance of discipline, hard work, and continuous learning throughout my career.

What specific training or education have you received relevant to the position? For the past several years, I have been actively participating in leadership courses tailored specifically to law enforcement. These programs have been extremely valuable as I have transitioned into my role as a Sergeant with Gilpin County. In addition to my law enforcement training, I bring five years of experience in the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman. During that time, I served as both a fire team leader and later a squad leader, positions that provided extensive leadership development and responsibility. The Marine Corps instilled in me the expectation to lead by example and make sound decisions in high-pressure environments while being accountable for the welfare and success of those under my command. Although law enforcement presents different challenges than combat operations in Afghanistan, those experiences strengthened my ability to remain calm under pressure, adapt to changing circumstances, and lead effectively in demanding situations. I believe these skills have prepared me well for the role of Sheriff and continue to influence my leadership approach every day.

Briefly describe your current career and home life. I began my career with the Gilpin County Sheriff's Office in January 2019 as a non-certified deputy assigned to the jail division. In 2020, I attended the Jefferson County/Lakewood Combined Regional Academy and graduated in July of that year. Following graduation, I was promoted to Corporal in the jail division. After serving approximately six to seven months in that role, I voluntarily stepped down from the promotion in order to pursue my long-term goal of transferring to the patrol division.

I served in patrol for more than five and a half years, gaining valuable experience responding to calls for service, building relationships within the community, and handling a wide variety of law enforcement situations. In 2025, I accepted a promotion to Sergeant and returned to the jail division with the goal of eventually transferring back to patrol as a Sergeant. During my time with the Sheriff's Office, I have also served as a Field Training Officer, helping to develop and mentor new deputies, and I was selected to serve on the combined SWAT team with Clear Creek County.

Outside of my professional career, I have been happily married to my wife, Krystal Meyer, for 15 years. Together, we are raising three wonderful and energetic children who keep us busy with youth sports and 4-H livestock projects. In 2019, we also founded Diamond ZK Cattle, through which we raise and sell quality beef. Operating a family business has further strengthened my appreciation for hard work, responsibility, and community involvement, values that I strive to bring to both my personal and professional life every day.

List the Peak to Peak boards and civic or volunteer activities in which you have been involved and the dates of service. I have a long history of volunteer service within Gilpin County and the surrounding community. From approximately 2014 to 2016, I served as a volunteer firefighter with Central City Fire, and from 2018 to 2019, I volunteered with Timberline Fire Protection District. These experiences provided valuable opportunities to serve the community, work as part of a team, and respond effectively during emergencies.

I also remain actively involved in youth programs and community activities. Currently, I serve as the Livestock Leader for our local 4-H chapter, helping to mentor and guide young people as they develop skills in agriculture, responsibility, and leadership. In addition, I coached Coach Pitch baseball for the local recreation league this year and have previously volunteered as a coach for both youth baseball and football. Through these activities, I have had the opportunity to support local families, invest in the development of our youth, and contribute to the strength of our community.

Have you attended BoCC and/or local government meetings? I have not. 

How would you enhance the experience of Gilpin County staff? One of my primary goals as Sheriff would be to create an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. The men and women of the Sheriff's Office are our greatest asset, and the quality of service we provide to the community is directly tied to how well we take care of our employees.

What do you see as the major issues facing Gilpin County? How would you begin to address them?

My number one priority for the coming year is the safety and security of our schools. I believe ensuring school safety requires much more than simply reacting to an emergency when one occurs. It demands preparation, coordination, communication, and ongoing training among all stakeholders. In 2023, during the swatting incident involving our local school, several areas for improvement were identified in our response and coordination efforts. As a result, I would like to work closely with the school district, surrounding law enforcement agencies, fire and EMS personnel, dispatch, and the rec center to develop and conduct realistic, scenario-based training exercises. 

My second goal is to retain experienced personnel while increasing the overall capability of the Sheriff's Office. I do not believe positions should be filled simply for the sake of filling vacancies. Instead, we must recruit and retain individuals who meet high professional standards and are committed to serving the community with integrity. Equally important is holding all personnel accountable to those standards. Law enforcement carries significant responsibility, and success in this profession requires individuals who possess the character, judgment, and dedication necessary to serve effectively. By investing in quality personnel, training, and professional development, we can build a stronger and more capable organization.

My third goal is to strengthen community trust and engagement. Effective law enforcement depends on the trust and support of the community it serves. That trust is earned through transparency, professionalism, visibility, and meaningful engagement with residents. 

As an elected official, what would be your top three goals for the county in the next year? 

My number one priority for the coming year is the safety and security of our schools. I believe ensuring school safety requires much more than simply reacting to an emergency when one occurs. It demands preparation, coordination, communication, and ongoing training among all stakeholders. In 2023, during the swatting incident involving our local school, several areas for improvement were identified in our response and coordination efforts. As a result, I would like to work closely with the school district, surrounding law enforcement agencies, fire and EMS personnel, dispatch, and the rec center to develop and conduct realistic, scenario-based training exercises. 

My second goal is to retain experienced personnel while increasing the overall capability of the Sheriff's Office. I do not believe positions should be filled simply for the sake of filling vacancies. Instead, we must recruit and retain individuals who meet high professional standards and are committed to serving the community with integrity. Equally important is holding all personnel accountable to those standards. Law enforcement carries significant responsibility, and success in this profession requires individuals who possess the character, judgment, and dedication necessary to serve effectively. By investing in quality personnel, training, and professional development, we can build a stronger and more capable organization.

My third goal is to strengthen community trust and engagement. Effective law enforcement depends on the trust and support of the community it serves. That trust is earned through transparency, professionalism, visibility, and meaningful engagement with residents. 

How would you collaborate with other Gilpin County departments and organizations?

I would attend all required meetings and work sessions while maintaining open and consistent communication with other departments throughout the county. I have already demonstrated success in this area during my time in patrol, where I developed and maintained strong working relationships with partner agencies and organizations. These relationships include the Colorado State Patrol, Black Hawk Police Department, Central City Fire Department, Timberline Fire Protection District, and Gilpin County Ambulance Authority.

Why do you want to hold the office for which you are running? Have you run for/held political office before? If so, where and when? I will be honest in saying that I did not initially see myself seeking this position at this stage of my career. However, over time, many of the dedicated men and women of the Gilpin County Sheriff's Office approached me and encouraged me to run. Their confidence in me, combined with many sleepless nights spent praying and thoughtfully considering the decision, led me to realize that our agency has opportunities for growth and positive change, and that I want to be part of leading that effort.

I care deeply about this community and the men and women who serve it every day. Gilpin County has been my home for many years, and I am committed to ensuring that our Sheriff's Office is an organization that the public trusts and respects. My goal is to help build a strong, professional, and well-prepared agency that supports its employees, serves its citizens with integrity, and is capable of effectively responding to any challenge or crisis it may face.

Will you be able to meet the time requirements of the office?  Do you, or will you, have another job as well as the position you are running for? Yes, I am confident in my ability to meet the commitments and responsibilities of this position. In addition to successfully fulfilling my current duties, I regularly work extra assignments, including DUI enforcement and Forest Service patrols. These additional responsibilities demonstrate my commitment to public service and my ability to effectively manage a demanding workload.

Outside of law enforcement, my family and I operate a cattle business, Diamond ZK Cattle. While that operation requires time and dedication, I am fortunate to have an incredible support system. My wife and children do an outstanding job of helping manage the day-to-day responsibilities when my law enforcement duties require my attention. Their support has allowed me to balance my professional commitments, family responsibilities, and community involvement successfully.

How have you, and/or how will you, operate with transparency and honesty in your role? Throughout my career, I have worked to be open, direct, and accountable in my interactions with coworkers, community members, and partner agencies. I believe people deserve honest communication, even when the message is difficult or when mistakes have been made.

As Sheriff, I would operate with transparency by maintaining open lines of communication with employees, county leadership, and the public. I would ensure that information is shared appropriately and in a timely manner, while recognizing the legal and ethical limitations that sometimes exist during investigations or personnel matters. I believe people are more likely to trust decisions when they understand the reasoning behind them and know they are being treated fairly and honestly.

How will you handle conflict resolution within your office, if elected? Conflict is inevitable in any organization, especially in a profession as demanding as law enforcement. If elected, I would approach conflict resolution with fairness, professionalism, and open communication. I believe many workplace conflicts can be resolved when people feel heard, respected, and given the opportunity to discuss concerns openly.

Please disclose any current personal and/or professional relationships with the City of Black Hawk, City of Central, or Gilpin County. My brother in law is currently the water superintendent for the City of Black Hawk and my wife is currently the events coordinator for Gilpin County Parks and Rec. 

If you could ask one other candidate one question, what would it be? What is one decision you have made in your career that you would handle differently today?

What is your position on sexually oriented businesses in Central City? I maintain a neutral position on this matter. As a community, we already recognize and celebrate aspects of our unique history through events such as Madam Lou Bunch Day in Central City, which honors a prominent businesswoman who ran an extremely successful brothel in the late 1800s. While I may not personally participate in activities such as gambling or sexually oriented businesses, I do not believe my personal views should dictate my professional responsibilities.

I understand the concerns that have been raised regarding the potential for issues such as human trafficking, drug activity, or other criminal behavior associated with certain types of businesses. However, based on my more than five years of patrol experience, those challenges existed in Gilpin County long before Rick's became part of the community. Criminal activity should be addressed through proactive law enforcement efforts, regardless of where it occurs.

My responsibility as Sheriff would be to ensure that all businesses and individuals operate within the boundaries of Colorado law and federal law. As long as a business is operating legally and in compliance with applicable regulations, I believe it should be treated fairly and impartially. My focus would remain on enforcing the law, protecting public safety, and holding individuals accountable for criminal behavior, rather than passing judgment on lawful businesses or personal choices.

What experience do you have with government or nonprofit budgets? While I do not have direct experience managing government or nonprofit budgets, I recognize the importance of financial stewardship and fiscal responsibility in a leadership role. Budget development and management are skills that can be learned through training, mentorship, and experience. Throughout my career, I have successfully adapted to new responsibilities and continually sought opportunities for professional growth.

If elected, I would work closely with county leadership, financial professionals, and department staff to gain a thorough understanding of the budgeting process and ensure that taxpayer funds are managed responsibly and effectively. I believe that making informed decisions, seeking expert guidance when needed, and maintaining transparency are key components of sound financial management.

What kind of growth do you want to see in Gilpin County? I appreciate the character and quality of life that Gilpin County currently offers, and I would like to see those qualities preserved for future generations. One of the things that makes this area special is its rural character, natural beauty, and close-knit sense of community. It is difficult to watch many parts of Colorado experience rapid growth and development that often transforms open spaces into subdivisions, commercial centers, and expanding urban areas.

While I understand that growth is inevitable and can bring economic opportunities, I believe it is important to ensure that growth is managed responsibly and in a way that preserves the unique identity of Gilpin County. Maintaining our natural landscapes, protecting our rural way of life, and balancing development with the needs and values of our community should remain important considerations for county leadership.

Gilpin County is a special place to live, work, and raise a family. My hope is that future generations will be able to enjoy the same beauty, community spirit, and quality of life that have made this county my home for nearly 15 years.

Are there any federal issues with homelessness, elections, or ICE you anticipate having to handle? How would you handle them? We already deal with homelessness in Central City and Black Hawk, and would handle them like we already do, which is to assist them getting down to the metro area where they have far more resources available to them. My stance on ICE is if they are in our county operating, we would not get involved in their operations beyond establishing a perimeter to maintain the safety of everyone involved and prevent things escalating. If we have someone in custody that broke the law, I believe we should be cooperating with ICE and allowing them to take custody of these individuals.