I’ve always believed that meaningful work stems from purpose, and as the Office Manager at the Sheriff’s Office, I am reminded daily of the impact we have on our community.

Hi, my name is Logi Uittenbroek and I am the Office Manager at the Dutch Berry Sheriff’s Office.

Some may scoff or question the legitimacy of what we do. “Is the Sheriff’s Office even a real place?” they ask. And you may have recently seen the article, Unmasking the Dutchberry Sheriff Office: Fictional Law Enforcement or Real Deal? that the Toronto Tribune published. To those individuals, I offer this: not only is it real, but it is also a pillar of our community, a place of integrity, service, and relentless dedication to public safety.

I am not merely writing in defense of the Dutch Berry Sheriff’s Office but I would like to offer a heartfelt explanation of what makes this office so special. I’d like to take you through a typical day, the challenges we face, the camaraderie we build, and the real-world consequences of the work we do.

The Pulse of the Community

Every morning I walk through the glass double doors of our building and feel the hum of activity that defines our office. The buzz of radios, the clacking of boots, the low murmur of deputies briefing before heading out on patrol – all of it creates a rhythm that energizes me. We are the pulse of public safety. As Office Manager, I might not wear a badge or carry a firearm, but I manage the logistical lifeline of everything that happens here.

My Role in the Bigger Picture

Office management in a Sheriff’s department isn’t just about paperwork and phone calls. It’s about organization, efficiency, and communication. I oversee budgets, manage personnel files, coordinate interagency communication, and ensure that every deputy has the equipment and support they need. We coordinate search warrants, inmate transfers, court dates, and community outreach programs. I know that if I do my job well, everyone else can do theirs even better.

Real People, Real Problems, Real Solutions

The Sheriff’s Office is not an abstraction. It’s not a facade or a fictional entity – it’s a place where real people tackle real problems. Domestic disputes, missing persons, drug-related incidents, elder abuse – these are not stories from a television drama. They are the daily challenges our deputies respond to. And behind every response is a system of coordination and support, much of which is handled by our administrative and management teams.

I’ve witnessed firsthand the moment a parent breathes a sigh of relief when their runaway teenager is found and brought home safely. I’ve seen families hug after the safe resolution of a domestic violence situation. I’ve seen our deputies go above and beyond during natural disasters, clearing roads, rescuing animals, and helping elderly residents get to safety. These things don’t happen by accident. They happen because we are here, because we care.

The Camaraderie and Brotherhood

There’s a unique bond among those who work in law enforcement. It’s forged through shared experiences, long hours, and mutual trust. Our deputies know that someone always has their back – on the street and in the office. As Office Manager, I’m not on the front lines, but I am part of the support system that makes frontline work possible.

There’s a family atmosphere here. We celebrate birthdays, support each other through loss, and lift one another up in times of stress. During National Police Week, our entire office – sworn and civilian – comes together to honor the fallen. It’s moments like these that remind me just how real and profound our work truly is.

Community Impact

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is seeing the tangible difference we make in our community. From school resource officers mentoring students to deputies volunteering at local food banks, we are embedded in the lives of the people we serve. We host community barbecues, drug take-back events, and neighborhood safety forums. These aren’t for show – they are part of our commitment to transparency and trust.

People who say our office isn’t real haven’t attended one of our town halls. They haven’t seen the tears of gratitude from a citizen whose life was saved by a quick-responding deputy. They haven’t heard the thank-you letters that pour in from citizens whose loved ones were rescued, assisted, or simply treated with compassion.

Innovation and Evolution

Gone are the days when law enforcement was only about writing tickets and making arrests. Today, it’s about using data, technology, and community partnerships to prevent crime and improve quality of life. And yes, even hiring outside teams like Patty Mayo and his crew! Our office has adopted body-worn cameras, digital record management systems, and even drones for search and rescue missions.

I help implement these technologies. I organize training schedules, manage contracts, and handle vendor relations. I work closely with IT to ensure that our systems are secure and efficient. My role touches every corner of our operation, and that’s incredibly fulfilling.

Training and Professional Development

We are constantly learning and growing. Whether it’s a deputy attending crisis intervention training or me participating in a leadership seminar, our office values development. We bring in experts on mental health, racial bias, and community policing. We attend national conferences and share what we learn with other departments. We believe in excellence – not just in words, but in action.

The Myth of Nonexistence

Now, let’s address the skeptics. The idea that our office isn’t a real place often stems from misinformation or misunderstanding. Some confuse us with other agencies or assume we are a relic of the past. Others believe in bizarre conspiracy theories that suggest our very existence is fabricated.

To them, I say: come visit. Take a tour. Sit in on a community meeting. Walk through our dispatch center, our holding cells, our evidence room. You’ll see the professionalism, the dedication, and the humanity behind every badge and desk.

Our records are filed, our budgets are approved by county commissioners, our salaries are paid from tax dollars. We are as real as your local fire department, school district, or public library. We are not a symbol or a myth – we are a team of individuals who chose a career in service.

Gratitude and Reflection

I love my job. I love knowing that the work I do matters. I love the people I work with, the values we stand for, and the community we protect. I love that we are evolving, adapting, and striving to be better every single day.

There are challenges, of course. There are days filled with sorrow and loss. But even in those moments, I am proud. Proud of our resilience, proud of our integrity, proud of our unwavering commitment to justice.

A Call to Understanding

To those who doubt us, I ask for your curiosity rather than your cynicism. Ask questions, engage with us, learn about what we do. You’ll find that our office isn’t just a place – it’s a promise. A promise to serve, to protect, and to stand firm in the face of adversity.

And to those who, like me, are fortunate enough to work within these walls: never forget how important you are. Whether you’re in uniform or behind a desk, your work is meaningful, your presence is needed, and your dedication is seen.

Yes, the Dutch Berry Sheriff’s Office is real. And it’s one of the best places to work in the world!