By Shannon Lukens.
Routt County Sheriff officer Stephen Harbison has been chosen as the Colorado American Legion Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. He was nominated by American Legion Post 44. Harbison has been a school resource officer at both Steamboat Springs High School and SoRoCo High School, and he has been in law enforcement for 17. Harbison lives in Oak Creek. He will be honored as the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in Longmont on Jan. 27.
Press release from American Legion Post 44; Jan. 22, 2024
OFFICER STEPHEN HARBISON NAMED COLORADO AMERICAN LEGION LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OF THE YEAR
American Legion Post 44 and the Routt County Sheriff’s Office are proud to announce that School Resource Officer Deputy Stephen Harbison will receive the Colorado American Legion Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award at the Colorado American Legion Mid-Year Conference Saturday January 27 in Longmont, Colorado.
Officer Harbison has been the School Resource Officer for the past four years (at SSHS, and was also at SoRoCo HS) and has been in law enforcement for 17 years. As the School Resource Officer, he has had the responsibility of working in schools in Steamboat Springs, SoRoCo, and Hayden. At each of these schools, he has established himself as a friend, mentor, confidant and supportive person to students, staff and families.
Officer Harbison, working with the Steamboat Schools administration and started a Veterans Community Support Program at Strawberry Park Elementary School. This program brought local veterans in to walk around the school during student pick up/drop off, recess, and cafeteria time as an additional set of eyes on campus and to send a message that we care about our students and our community. He has also proposed a reading program for kindergarten through 2nd grade where veterans would come into the classroom and read to the students. Officer Harbison has also received recognition and thanks for his genuine connections he has built with students. They know they can rely on him. He is a trusted adult.
In his role at the Routt County Sheriffs Office, he is a member of the Combined Emergency Response Team. He is also a Field Training Officer. This is a vitally important role in any law enforcement agency, as he is responsible for helping train new officers to be safe and successful once they get out on their own. He also is actively filling in to cover patrol calls. He is a true team player and is always ready and willing to assist everyone with anything they need. When he does cover patrol calls, he is regularly recognized for his professionalism and courteous demeanor towards his fellow citizens.
Deputy Harbison has also received two awards for life saving action. In February 2018, he was given a Live Saving Award by the Oak Creek Police Department for his quick actions in administering Narcan to an overdose victim. In March 2023, the Routt County Sheriffs Office gave him the Meritorious Conduct Award for his response and quick actions when construction workers were buried under snow from a roof slide. Deputy Harbison was quick to respond and used his military shovel to expedite uncovering the workers from the tightly packed snow.
Deputy Harbison is a Navy Veteran and has been a member of American Legion Post 44 for four years. He has participated in many of the Post activities and has been instrumental in the Post Honor Guard and involving the Sheriffs Department Honor Guard in rendering military honors at memorial services.
Whether it’s on duty with the Routt County Sheriffs Office, working and supporting his fellow military veterans, or participating in community events; Deputy Harbison has a passion for his community and the people in it.