Summertime Travel Safety

Summer is the busiest time of the year for travel, as more people are getting outside, taking vacations or traveling to outdoor events.   The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office wants to remind you to use extra caution behind the wheel this summer, looking out for other motorists and pedestrians.

The following are good reminders as you prepare to travel this summer:

• Buckle your safety belt - it's the best way to stay safe in a vehicle.
• Don't drink and drive -  even one alcoholic drink can reduce your abilities and impair your judgment.
• Put down the cell phone - distracted driving is dangerous, see more at https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving.
• Be prepared - take a map, atlas, or GPS device; make sure your spare tire is inflated and you know how to change it, have your car serviced before heading out; include an emergency kit with water and snacks in case you are stranded for more than a few hours; refuel BEFORE your gas warning indicator displays.
• Turn down the music - hearing sirens and emergency vehicles is an important warning to slow down and drive cautiously - you may be approaching an accident scene.
• Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel - eating and digging for things on the floorboard or back seat can lead to trouble.
• Be courteous - because of the volume of vehicles on the road, you are bound to run into a few traffic jams, be cut off, or be forced to stop short - remain calm and courteous - don't let other drivers ruin your holiday.
• Get plenty of rest - make sure you are well-rested before getting behind the wheel and rotate driving duties with others in the car to avoid becoming too sleepy or distracted.
• Take frequent breaks - stop, get out of the vehicle, and stretch your legs often.

Travel safely and enjoy your summer!

Sheriff Jeff Herrig 

Sheriff Herrig has been employed at the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office since 1982.

In 1993 he was appointed by then Sheriff Roy Dunnaway to the position of Undersheriff.

On April 4th, 2008, he was appointed to the position of Sheriff by Governor Kathleen Sebelius, to fill out the term of Sheriff Dunnaway.

Sheriff Herrig is a member of the National Sheriff's Association, Kansas Sheriff's Association, Capital Area Major Case Squad, International Association of Property & Evidence, Kansas Chiefs of Police Association, and Midwest Association of Certified Voice Stress Analysts.

On July 22, 2009, Sheriff Herrig was appointed to represent the Kansas Sheriff's on the Kansas Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency prevention by the Governor.

January 2015, Sheriff Herrig was appointed President of the Kansas Sheriff's Association.

On July 1, 2015, Sheriff Herrig was appointed by Governor Brownback as a member on the Kansas Commission of Peace Officers Standards and Training.

On May 21, 2021, Sheriff Herrig was appointed as a member of the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Advisory Committee by Governor Laura Kelly.