Endorsement Letters

Dear Editor,

In April 2025, the Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to appoint then-Undersheriff Dan Covault to fill the sheriff's vacancy created by the midterm resignation of the long-serving and beloved Bill Masters. At the time, I explained my vote for Dan Covault over Masters' son Lane as the logical progression of leadership. It made good sense to promote the person closest to the sheriff's position to assume that role – that is, to choose the second-in-command, who had not only been appointed by Bill Masters himself, but also had decades of experience as a peacekeeper in San Miguel County.

In 2025 I was admittedly not fully forthcoming in explaining my vote. Out of respect for Bill Masters, I didn't feel it was necessary or polite to say that I also believed Dan Covault was more qualified and better suited to be sheriff.

Because voters will soon face the same decision as commissioners did in 2025 — whether Lane Masters or Dan Covault should be sheriff — I feel it is my responsibility to now be completely transparent. Come November, I will again vote for Sheriff Covault and I endorse him wholeheartedly.

Lane Masters is an accomplished young man, whom I respect. He has a strong sense of civic duty, and I am grateful for his courageous service in the Marines, as well as his law enforcement work in North Dakota, and more recently in our county.

Yet I will support Sheriff Covault in this election because I still believe he is both more qualified and better suited to the job. Sheriff Covault is a mature, thoughtful and collaborative leader. He is warm-hearted, humble and respectful of all he meets, while drawing whenever necessary on his razor-sharp mind, thorough knowledge of Colorado statute and case law, and decades of police training. He also leads with experience, wisdom and strength in a softer, guardian style of policing appropriate to our peaceable county.

One of my top priorities as county commissioner is to advocate for our immigrant population, who are not only treasured friends and neighbors, but also the foundation of our local economy. During these challenging times, Sheriff Covault has demonstrated his commitment to this community and built solid relationships throughout. He has worked tirelessly to educate, reassure and protect us all, counseling leadership, employers and individuals on how to stay safe while adhering to the law. I believe our immigrant community feels more supported here in San Miguel County than in any other place across the state, if not the nation, thanks in large part to Sheriff Covault's efforts.

I hope you will join me in voting for Sheriff Covault. San Miguel County is fortunate to have a person of his deep experience, solid character, high intelligence, kind disposition and unwavering commitment leading our peacekeeping agency. Let's keep this good man in the job.

Thank you for your consideration,
Anne Brown
San Miguel County Commissioner, District 1

To the voters of San Miguel County:

I am pleased to be writing this letter to endorse Sheriff Dan Covault in the 2026 election. I met Sheriff Covault while he was working as an Investigator for San Miguel County Sheriff's Office. I was at the time working for the Dolores County Sheriff's Office. I have known and worked with Sheriff Covault both as an investigator and as Undersheriffs of our respective counties.

During this time Sheriff Covault has been both a mentor and a friend. I have observed Sheriff Covault demonstrate leadership qualities which instill confidence in the law enforcement officers who are working for and with him. I have also observed Sheriff Covault's in-depth knowledge of law enforcement in Colorado. His knowledge of current legislation and case law has been a resource I have personally leaned on and utilized on several occasions. I know Sheriff Covault to be a very ethical and hard-working law enforcement officer and an excellent leader. It is my opinion that Sheriff Covault will continue to pursue his role in a vigorous and ethical manner. I believe he is more than capable of building and maintaining a legacy of safety and high-quality law enforcement in San Miguel County.

Sincerely,
Matt Purkat

To the voters of San Miguel County:

I am writing this letter to endorse Sheriff Dan Covault in the 2026 election for San Miguel County Sheriff. I am currently a Crisis Stabilization Clinician with Paragon Behavioral Health Connections. I am not writing this as a representative of Paragon BHC, rather a concerned member of this county who has over 30 years in the crisis mental health field. I have worked with sheriffs across the Pacific Northwest and within Native Nations to implement mental health, sexual assault and domestic violence, and on-scene crisis response. I can state with confidence that Sheriff Covault has been one of the best.

For more than 6 years I have worked in various capacities as a mental health crisis responder for San Miguel County and West End. Mental health is one of the most important issues facing not just this county but our nation as a whole.

I am confident that the voters of this county are taking into consideration that law enforcement has a huge impact on our citizens regardless of where we live in the county. As a first responder, I can attest that in San Miguel, law enforcement is our main point of contact for people who are in a mental health crisis. Without them contacting us and utilizing our professional staff, these clients would likely never get support. Suicides and mental health distress is on the rise and limited resources hinder our ability to provide intervention services. We count on law enforcement to get us to these people and prevent ongoing 911 calls due to a mental health crisis.

Sheriff Dan Covault has made great gains in training all of his deputies in CRT. This critical response training develops skills needed for extreme mental health situations, like suicide attempts and crises that involve weapons. This is exactly what is needed to contain and deescalate severe mental health responses and to contain a volatile situation. Sheriff Dan Covault understands this and promotes it throughout his staff.

Over the years there has been a struggle with implementing comprehensive mental health resources into San Miguel County. Sheriff Dan Covault has been at the forefront of combating this issue; he has partnered with multiple stakeholders and found realistic solutions to these problems. He has been a driving force in building a stronger and better mental health response protocol. Sheriff Covault has been instrumental in building rapport and trust with local community resources and mental health workers. He continually looks for and implements new ideas and better practices to deal with mental health issues.

The voters need to see that long-term law enforcement experience in this county is a critical criterion for a Sheriff. Sheriff Dan Covault has used his long-term experience to make a difference in how the Sheriff's Office navigates mental health crisis calls and how to get experienced, trained responders for interventions in the field, despite obstacles. The Sheriff needs to be someone who knows the county, the budget, the funding, and how to ensure all the citizens in this county are treated equally, without bias and without money interfering with their role. Skills, experience, longevity, and empathy are what we need, and that's what Sheriff Covault brings to this county.

Leadership isn't about a name or legacy — it is about providing direction that is in the best interests of the community, and that's why I endorse and will vote for Sheriff Dan Covault.

Melissa King

To the voters of San Miguel County,

I am writing to offer my wholehearted recommendation for Dan Covault in his pursuit of election to Office of the Sheriff in 2026. I have had the privilege of working alongside Dan for approximately 15 years in my capacity as a Forest Service Wildland Firefighter. Without hesitation, I can attest that Dan exemplifies the integrity, professionalism, and leadership essential for a law enforcement officer and leader.

Over the years, Dan has consistently demonstrated sound judgment and an unwavering commitment to upholding the law with fairness and compassion. His ability to remain calm under pressure, think critically in complex situations, and build trust among both colleagues and community members makes him an exceptional candidate for this role. I have worked with Dan on numerous emerging wildland fires, and each time, he has played a key role in ensuring the safety and success of the incident.

Beyond his professional qualifications, Dan possesses a strong moral compass and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with serving as Sheriff. His approach to law enforcement is rooted in transparency, accountability, and genuine dedication to public service. I am confident that he will bring honor to the badge and serve his community with the highest level of professionalism.

I strongly endorse Dan Covault for the position of Sheriff. He is more than prepared to continue delivering quality services and equal justice to all and is a tremendous asset to the citizens of the community he serves.

Sincerely,
Michael Schultz

To the San Miguel County Community,

My name is Jordan Kaminski, and I am the Undersheriff for Hinsdale County, Colorado, as well as the former Undersheriff of Jackson County, Colorado. I am writing to publicly endorse Dan Covault in his campaign for the office of Sheriff.

I first met Sheriff Covault years ago at the state level along with other Sheriffs and Undersheriffs. What stuck in my mind was not simply his extensive knowledge of the law and inner workings of this career that we call law enforcement; it was the fact that he honestly and genuinely cares for people in a way that is not often seen in our profession.

Sheriff Covault's knowledge and experience are not simply for his own edification, but he uses them in such a way as to better those around him and those he serves. I have seen firsthand how he interacts with and treats the San Miguel Community, his colleagues, and those who work for him, and Sheriff Covault is consistent in how he engages with people. I was fortunate enough to be able to work for Sheriff Covault for a season during my own career, and the man that the public sees is no different than the man his deputies and colleagues see.

In a time when we live in a political climate of tension and we often wonder if those elected to represent us have our best interest in mind, I can say without hesitation, Sheriff Covault has YOUR best interest in mind. Dan Covault is the Sheriff who will truly serve the community of San Miguel and lead the Sheriff's Office to do the same. The Community of San Miguel County would be well served and well cared for by electing Dan Covault for the office of Sheriff.

Respectfully,
Jordan Kaminski
Undersheriff, Hinsdale County, Colorado

To the Voters of San Miguel County,

I support Dan Covault in his bid to continue as Sheriff for San Miguel County, and I happily endorse his candidacy — insofar as my endorsement matters.

In the five years I spent as the State's prosecutor in San Miguel County I was fortunate to work with Sheriff Covault on everything from petty marijuana violations to cult-related murders. In every circumstance he displayed a very intense dedication to the importance of his task that was balanced by a deliberate, level-headed approach to developing casework, both before and after he identified charges.

This balance always struck me when working with Dan on longer investigations. He was never hesitant to give perspective on necessary evidence, and how to go about determining whether that evidence was available. That said, his input was never provided simply to gratify himself, and he listens with real focus on ideas brought by others, whether they're less experienced officers, people from other agencies like me, or any member of the public.

All of this is to say Dan Covault truly understands that law enforcement is a transparent, collaborative process. As good as he may be at identifying evidence and the necessary experts or forensics for an incident, he is every bit as good when working with the public he serves or the tradesmen that his department regulates directly. He understands the San Miguel community in which he has lived and worked for decades, and I believe he will prioritize the role of his department in protecting the rights of all county residents, while he continues to ensure community safety and criminal accountability.

I humbly offer all this in support of Sheriff Covault's candidacy.

Robert M. Whiting

I am proud to endorse Dan Covault for San Miguel County Sheriff.

I have known Dan for over 30 years, and throughout that time I have known him to be an honest, hardworking person with the integrity and character it takes to serve as a Colorado Sheriff.

Dan brings more than 26 years of law-enforcement experience to the position, with a wide range of experience in virtually every aspect of the profession. His career has included working in dispatch, the jail, patrol, investigations, and leadership as Undersheriff and Sheriff.

Dan has the experience, knowledge, leadership, and integrity needed to serve the people of San Miguel County. I have known him for decades, and I trust him to do the job with honesty, fairness, and dedication.

I strongly encourage you to support Dan Covault for San Miguel County Sheriff.

Adam Murdie
Sheriff, Gunnison County

To the Citizens of San Miguel County:

I am an experienced prosecutor and have spent much of my career handling serious criminal cases throughout Colorado's Western Slope. In that capacity, I have had the privilege of working alongside Sheriff Dan Covault on some of the most serious and difficult cases we encounter in the criminal justice system. Throughout my career, I have worked with many law enforcement officers who perform demanding jobs with courage, sound judgment, compassion, and integrity. Dan Covault stands among the best of them. He represents what I believe our Western Slope communities should expect from a Sheriff: someone who understands both the responsibility of enforcing the law and the complicated circumstances that often bring people into contact with law enforcement—mental-health crises, substance abuse, poverty, housing instability, victimization, and, at times, serious criminal conduct.

Dan brings more than 26 years of law-enforcement experience to the job, virtually all of it in San Miguel County. He has spent approximately 21 years with the San Miguel County Sheriff's Office, in addition to five years with the Mountain Village Police Department. He worked his way through the ranks of the Sheriff's Office before being selected by the San Miguel County Commissioners in 2025 to succeed longtime Sheriff Bill Masters in lieu of his current opponent, Lane Masters. That breadth of experience matters. Dan knows Telluride and Mountain Village, but he also understands Wrights Mesa, Norwood, and the more remote communities of the county. He understands that effective law enforcement in San Miguel County cannot be one-size-fits-all.

More importantly, I know Dan beyond the résumé. I have litigated serious cases with him and have seen firsthand how he responds when the stakes are high, emotions are raw, and decisions matter. He is thoughtful without being hesitant, confident without being arrogant, and compassionate without losing sight of accountability. He treats victims, witnesses, suspects, attorneys, and fellow law-enforcement officers with dignity and respect. Those qualities cannot be manufactured during an election campaign; they are revealed over years of doing difficult work. Dan has already demonstrated that his leadership extends beyond traditional law enforcement. As Sheriff, he helped develop a rural behavioral-health secure-transport pilot program based in Norwood, addressing a difficult need for people experiencing mental-health crises in rural communities. He has also emphasized transparency, impartiality, and maintaining the public's trust—principles that I have personally seen reflected in the way he approaches his work.

San Miguel County is an extraordinarily diverse county geographically, economically, and socially. Its Sheriff must understand those differences while applying the law fairly and consistently to everyone. I am confident Dan will continue to approach that responsibility with curiosity, humility, courage, and sound judgment. He understands that every person he encounters is an individual, while also recognizing that the law and the safety of the community must remain paramount.

Dan Covault is a true “Peace Officer” in every sense of that term. I trust his judgment, I respect his character, and I have confidence in his leadership. I have been proud to call him both a colleague and a friend, and I enthusiastically support Dan Covault for Sheriff of San Miguel County.

Rob Zentner
Attorney-At-Law

To the Citizens of San Miguel County,

My name is Quinn Archibeque, and I serve as the Undersheriff of Delta County. I am proud to offer my endorsement of Sheriff Dan Covault for San Miguel County Sheriff.

I have known Dan for several years, both professionally and personally. Before Dan was appointed Sheriff, he and I served as undersheriffs in our respective counties at the same time. That shared responsibility gave us the opportunity to work through many of the same challenges that come with leading a sheriff's office. Over those years, Dan became not only a respected colleague, but also a trusted friend.

One of the qualities I respect most about Dan is his calm demeanor. Law enforcement leadership often requires making difficult decisions in situations where there is little time and a great deal at stake. Dan brings a steady, thoughtful approach to those situations. He has a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience, but just as importantly, he has the judgment to know when to listen, when to act, and how to remain composed when circumstances are difficult.

Dan knows the Sheriff's Office, understands the responsibilities of the office, and understands the importance of serving the community with professionalism and integrity.

I value Dan's friendship, respect his knowledge and leadership, and am proud to offer my endorsement of his candidacy for San Miguel County Sheriff.

Respectfully,
Quinn Archibeque
Undersheriff
Delta County Sheriff's Office

These opinions are solely my own and do not reflect the views of the Delta County Sheriff's Office or Delta County.