On February 14, 2023 at 8:20 PM the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the San Luis Valley Communications Center of an Emergency SPOT Signal in the Trujillo Meadows Area of LaManga Pass.  The signal was coming from a device carried by 72 year old Carey M. Bare of Chromo Colorado.  Carey was in the back country cross country skiing when he got lost in blizzard conditions, approximately five miles west of Colorado Highway 17 above Trujillo Meadows Reservoir.

Both Conejos County Sheriff Garth Crowther and Undersheriff Blake Crowther responded to the area.  Carey’s vehicle was found parked unattended at the Trujillo Meadows Reservoir Turn Off. Due to the blizzard conditions and poor visibility the decision was made to leave the area and return early the following morning.

Sheriff and Undersheriff Crowther returned to the area early on the morning of the 15^th with help from US Forest Service Officers Lynn Wubben, Milo Medina, and Ariel Rodriguez.  With Forest Service snowmobiles and a recently purchased snowcat, from the Conejos County Search and Rescue, Officers were able to make their way back to Bare’s location.   Bare was located from coordinates supplied by his emergency device.

Bare was found by Officers in a Yurt but reported he had been outside in the elements all night.  He was wet, cold and on the verge of hypothermia when he was found.  Mr. Bare was brought out in the snowcat to an awaiting ambulance that transported him to the Conejos County Hospital.

Sheriff Crowther would like to thank  the San Luis Valley Communications Center, members of the Conejos County Search and Rescue Team and the Officers from the US Forest Service for their help. Photo attached.

CONEJOS COUNTY SHERIFF

NEWS RELEASE                                  

14044 County Road G.5

Antonito, CO  81129

Phone # 719-376-2196                            Sheriff Garth Crowther

________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:        Date: October 19, 2022         Time: 10:00 pm

On October 19, 2022 the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office received a “Lifespot” alert from Centauri High School.  Officers from the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office along with officers from La Jara Police Department, Manassa Police Department and Troopers from the Colorado State patrol responded to the call immediately.  Within minutes officers were on scene assessing the situation.  Officers immediately cleared high school and within a short period of time were able to give the all clear alert.  Investigation revealed the alert was accidentally set off and there never was a threat.  All North Conejos schools went into lock down utill the all clear was given.  I would like parents to know your teachers and students did an outstanding job and and were prepared to defend themselves.  As the sheriff I am proud of our students and teachers and the way they responded to the situation.     

Conejos County Sheriff's Deputies were called out to South Conejos Schools for a call of shots fired near the school. After a short lockout, Conejos Deputies were able to confirm that there was no cause for concern or danger to the community at this time.  Conejos Deputies were able to have the school lift their lockout quickly.   

Conejos County Sheriff's Office encourages the community to call if they suspect any suspicious activity or have any concerns.  All residents can call Colorado State Patrol Dispatch at 719-589-5807 to report a crime or suspicious activity.

The Conejos County Sheriff’s Office is seeking applicants for the following positions;

Patrol Deputy Sheriff: Applicant must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug screen, and be Colorado POST certified or be able to obtain certification. Must be 21+ years and possess a valid driver’s license.

Job duties to include enforcing state and local laws relating to public safety and welfare; investigating violations of any state or local laws; enforcing local, state, and federal motor vehicle code violations. Must be able to work and interact with the public and colleagues in a professional & respectful manner, while upholding the core values and mission of the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office.

Starting pay; $46,470 with the potential for a higher range, dependent on applicant’s experience and qualifications.

Detention Deputy: Applicant must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug screen, must be 18+ years and have a High School diploma or equivalent.

Job duties to include performing the day to day operations of the jail, perform routine work in the safekeeping of inmates, process arrest/booking paperwork for the courts and detention, oversee inmates during transports, and testify in court when needed.

Starting pay; $37, 674 with the potential for a higher range, dependent on applicant’s experience and qualifications.

If you are ready to join our team and make a difference in our communities, applications are available at the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office 719-376-2196 or Conejos County Human Resources Office 719-376-6799. 

Platinum Supplemental Insurance will be in Conejos County for the next 4- 8 weeks and do not want to alarm the citizens or cause concern with strange cars or representatives going door to door. They are a supplemental insurance company trying to explain the insurance and coverages to Conejos residents and wants everyone to beware of them.