The Lehigh County Sheriff's Office is an extremely busy place. Administrative assistants respond to phones and faxes; a deputy sheriff monitors courthouse surveillance screens; deputies and security guards report and depart. The hub of this activity is the office of Sheriff Ronald W. Rossi, a man who effortlessly blends dignity and affability.

A Luzerne County native, Rossi graduated from high school in 1954 and entered the U.S. military. His choice to join the Marines proved easy– they had the shortest enlistment line. After completing three years of service, he entered the Pennsylvania Police Academy. In 1961 State Trooper Rossi settled in the Lehigh Valley.

For 25 of his 29 years as a trooper, Rossi served as the department's safety education specialist. He educated everyone from business employees to bus drivers to thousands of school children. He has since retired from work as a state trooper but not from active duty.

Initially, Rossi resisted requests that he run for sheriff. His daughter's assessment that he is "...good with people and an honest guy" helped tip the scales in favor of his seeking office. He is currently engaged in his sixth 4-year term. (No other sheriff in Lehigh County has been elected for more than three terms.)

Rossi oversees 81 full- and part-time deputy sheriffs and 15 security officers. Their duties vary by division.

Those in the adult court division provide security within the courtrooms and transport prisoners. They may also be assigned to work the juvenile court division which involves the same duties within the juvenile justice system.

Officers in the civil division serve papers to civil litigants: divorce papers, summonses, monetary claims, etc.

Those in the warrants division seek people wanted in relation to criminal investigations. Neither civil nor warrants officers participate in court proceedings.

The security officers maintain courthouse security by monitoring metal detectors and admitting or redirecting visitors.

Rossi requires every Lehigh County Deputy Sheriff to have attended a police academy and to have successfully fulfilled Act 120 requirements.

The Municipal Police Officers' Education & Training Commission was established in 1974 to set certification and training standards for police officers employed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by municipalities. Regulations published from the Act 120 statute guide the process for determining eligibility for certification and standardize the basic academy and annual in-service training curriculum provided to all certified police officers, according to their website www.mpoetc.state. pa.us. Several are retired state troopers, and a number hold part-time jobs with local police departments.

Rossi takes great pride in his staff. "We are the best sheriff's department in the state" because "a successful sheriff hires good people," Rossi said.

Since his office is responsible for the safety of court personnel and court property, Rossi oversees potential emergencies. During a crisis, the sheriff takes the lead in locking down the courthouse and obtaining the appropriate assistance. When necessary, Rossi and his deputies coordinate with other law enforcement agencies. Those in the warrants division may team up with U.S. Marshals and the office maintains strong connections with area police. "We have a very good working relationship with all the police departments– especially the locals," Rossi said.

When asked about television portrayals of law enforcement, Rossi grimaces. He considers most popular dramatizations "fluff." They fail to credit the diligence and dedication demanded of real world police and security professionals.

Well trained employees, clearly articulated expectations and good communication all contribute to the efficiency of the Lehigh County Sheriff's Department. However, the system's catalyst is Rossi. A man who did not know the sheriff's salary before he took the job, Rossi leads by example. He seldom takes vacation and spends nearly all of his free time with his children and grandchildren, in particular his mentally challenged son Chris. And his belief in the importance of personal relationships transfers to the workplace. The mutual respect between the sheriff and his staff is obvious and unaffected. As he explains, "I enjoy helping people and doing a good job. If you're not happy, you're not going to do a good job."

Led by Rossi, the Lehigh County Sheriff's Department performs admirably– and contributes to everyone's safety and happiness.