VC Deputies Serve, Protect And Make Area Home

The Valley County Sheriff's Office has added onto their staff over the past few years with the addition of Deputy Charlie Tihlarik and McKinzie Parrish. Though both deputies called other areas home prior to serving the residents of Valley County, Parrish and Tihlarik have enjoyed getting to know the communities they serve, meeting the people of the county and adjusting to life in the Middle of Nowhere.

Deputy Charlie Tihlarik started at the Sheriff's Office Dec. 2, 2020, and graduated from the Academy Jan. 13, 2022. He is originally from Phillips, Wis., and served his previous community by working on two different fire departments. He decided to shift his service to the law enforcement sector as a result of family working in the field. "When the opportunity was presented here, I knew I wanted to be able to serve the community in a law enforcement capacity," explained Tihlarik. "The biggest thing for us here is family," he stated on why he decided to make the switch in Valley County as opposed to staying in the midwest. He admits his favorite part of the job so far is his coworkers. "My coworkers make me feel like family. I enjoy being one of the people the community calls to when they need help. At the end of the day we are all a team," expressed Tihlarik. In his free time he enjoys anything outside including fishing, hunting, boating and bonfires, as well as spending quality time with his family.

Deputy Parrish started April 2019 and graduated from the Academy in April 2020. She is originally from northeastern Wyoming however was spending time in Glendive prior to moving to the area. She attended school at Dawson Community College in law enforcement, found about the opportunity in Valley County and decided to go for it, "I found about the opportunity and here we are!," stated Parrish. After working for a bit, she re-enrolled at Dawson and hopes to finish her associates in criminal justice by the end of the year. Parrish also followed in family footsteps as her paternal grandfather was the sheriff of Weston County in Wyoming, "I always wanted to be a cop, ever since I was little," she explained. She enjoys the community outreach that goes with the position, especially working with children. "I really enjoy going to schools to talk about boundaries and respect. I also participate in the ROAR program with preschoolers and the kindergarten through second grade programs. The kids are always hilarious and I have a blast," stated Parrish. When not patrolling, educating or helping, she enjoys going boating, spending time with her family and camping.

Both deputies stress the community can feel comfortable approaching them and saying hi, while also not being afraid to ask for help. "We aren't as scary as we look. I have seen in the last year more people coming up and talking. I finally feel like a part of the community," said Parrish. "Don't be afraid to say hi!," echoed Tihlarik.