Aaron Appelhans
Sheriff
Albany County Sheriff’s Office
Laramie, WY USA
“Find something that fits you. Don’t try to fit yourself into a position.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationAaron Appelhans
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
I grew up in Colorado.
After high school, I moved to Wyoming to attend the University of Wyoming—I graduated with a degree in civil engineering.
I spent some time working in civil engineering, but ultimately decided it wasn’t right for me.
I made a career change and got a job working at the University of Wyoming in recruitment marketing, admissions, and career counseling.
After several years working for the university, I got recruited into law enforcement—I wasn’t interested at first, but was convinced I’d be a good fit by the chief who recruited me.
I started in law enforcement as part of the University of Wyoming Police Department.
In December 2020, I was appointed as sheriff of Albany County, Wyoming.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Certification/License
Law Enforcement (multiple)
Law Enforcement (multiple)
Career
Sheriff
I manage all law enforcement operations for Albany County, Wyoming.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Law
Government
Helping People
Day to Day
I am in charge of law enforcement and the detention center for the county, but I also manage so much more. I'm in charge of search and rescue, emergency management, and the fire warden. The sheriff's office also manages all civil service paperwork. We make sure court papers are delivered for just about everything—protection orders, divorces, evictions, subpoenas, etc. We also deal with other civil processes—fingerprints, abandoned vehicle sales, and even estate sales sometimes.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
I do recommend going to college and earning a bachelor's degree, but the specific degree itself can be in any number of things. So many of the skills you learn from any degree can transfer into many different careers. When trying to find the right career for you, don't necessarily think about the specific profession you want to do. Instead, think about the aspects of a job that you enjoy and find fulfillment in, then find a job that matches that.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"Law enforcement is not for me. I'm not going to do that."
Challenges I Overcame
Racial Discrimination
Interviewed By
Forever Frontier
Young adults from Wyoming explore the state’s strengths
