Vulles announces pick for undersheriff

In the race for sheriff, Democrat Tim Vulles has announced that Rick Field would serve as his undersheriff should he be elected. Field, who currently works in Coeur d'Alene as a patrol sergeant, has worked in the law enforcement field since 1986.

Field began as a dispatcher at the Kellogg Police Department and served in that position for a year. While he was doing that, attended an advanced post dispatch academy and was hired as a reserve police officer. Field worked in that position for a year. In 1989, he graduated from the Idaho State Police Academy. Field has also graduated from ISP Supervisor Academy at Boise State University and classes at the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command. From 1989 to 1999, he served ten years in the Silver Valley after he was hired by the state in 1989. In 1999, he received a promotion to the current sergeant position that he now holds.

He and Vulles have known each other since 1986, when they were both Reserve Academy in 1986. Vulles said that he has nothing against anyone else in the department; the fact is just that as sheriff, you need an undersheriff that you can work with and trust.

"You need to know who you're working with and what their abilities are," Vulles said. "The undersheriff is going to be critical especially with the situation that the department is in. I've got to bring with me the right person so I can do the job to the best of my ability."

Field said that he has a lot of experience not only out working in the field, but also as a supervisor. He said he was honored to be selected by Vulles.

"I was honored and I was excited," Field said. "I've doing this for a long time; I'm ready for a new challenge and there are definitely some challenges over there. I feel positive coming in and I feel like I could have a real positive impact over there."

Field said that he and Vulles have already started rolling up their sleeves to brainstorm ideas and work with scheduling to figure out how best to cover the county should it drop to a four man department. Field said that he and Tim have a very good working relationship.

"We're on the same page with everything and we're both very committed to our jobs and public safety. We want to provide the highest quality of service we can," Field said.

Aside from his years of experience, Field said that he also brings people, organization and research skills to the table. Field, who grew up in the Silver Valley area, said that he has always planned to come over and live in Mineral County as he hopes to retire in the county.

"I've been coming over to Mineral County for fishing and hiking for 30 plus years," Field said. "I had a brother that lived there and I've always hoped to retire there. It's a beautiful area with a lot to offer."