New Sheriff in Town for Valley

Valley College named Deputy Rick Baker as the new team leader Monday, replacing former Deputy Tom Lynch, who was reassigned after an injury.

As team leader, Baker will now be in charge of Valley's sheriff's department, overseeing the 17-person staff of nine armed security officers and eight student cadets.

"I'm very happy to have the job and very excited," Baker said. "I think Valley is a wonderful campus. I'm looking forward to all my time here working with the security personnel, faculty, students and the staff."

Baker has been working at Valley since Lynch's injury in February and previously spent time on campus as a roving deputy, giving him an opportunity to familiarize himself with the school.

"I've already gotten to know a lot of [people] and they're very friendly," Baker said. "A lot of them wave at me when they see me coming. I'm looking forward to mixing in well with them."

Vice President of Administrative Services Tom Jacobsmeyer, who is in charge of supervising Valley's sheriffs, said he was pleased to have Baker.

"We know Deputy Baker because he's worked here off and on for almost two years," Jacobsmeyer said. "When Deputy Lynch accepted his new training position, we had an opening [and] we said we'd just like to keep Rick."

Lynch worked at Valley for approximately two years before taking his unspecified injury leave. His absence coincided with an investigation into a racial profiling complaint filed against Lynch by a Valley student. The sheriff's internal investigation concluded that Lynch was guilty of no wrongdoing, but that his actions "could have been better."

The incident prompted Valley President Tyree Wieder to write a letter to the Valley Star stating that racial profiling "would not be tolerated." Wieder said she spoke with Baker and that he knows what is considered acceptable behavior.

"We talked about what's important on this campus," Wieder said. "I'm sure he's aware of what's important for our students and our college community."

In the past, students had complained about difficulty interacting with the school police.

"I want the students to interact with us on a regular basis," Baker said. "Our staff here will be friendly with the students as well as the faculty. I'll encourage that each and every day."

Baker said he plans to improve the relationship between students and his staff by publicizing the sheriff's escort services.

"If people don't feel safe walking to their classes or cars, they can give us a call or if they see us, flag us down and we'll be glad to provide escorts," Baker said. "We're stepping up our efforts, because we want the students and staff to know we do that."

Baker's been in law enforcement for 12 years, including working for the sheriff department's Community College Bureau.

In addition to his resume, Baker's time at Valley has made a positive impact on Jacobsmeyer.

"Having known him for the last few years, my impression is that he has a very even hand and methodical approach to his contacts with people. He's probably one of the nicest deputies I've met and he's a really easygoing guy."