PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
PROMOTION … Sheriff Roy Miller (right) hands new Chief Deputy Justin Galbraith (left) his new badge during his promotion.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
Justin Galbraith did not begin his law enforcement career expecting it would one day lead him to the position of chief deputy of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.
Instead, he built his career one step at a time, focusing on the job in front of him and the next challenge ahead.
Nearly 19 years after beginning his law enforcement career, that steady approach has earned him the department’s second-highest ranking position.
For Galbraith, the promotion is less about reaching a destination than continuing a commitment to the community where he was born and raised.
“I was kind of surprised when the promotion came. I had no idea that it was coming,” Galbraith said. “It was definitely an honor.”
Years Of Preparation
The chief deputy serves directly beneath Sheriff Roy Miller and oversees the day-to-day operations of the sheriff’s office. For Galbraith, the position also represents years of preparation.
About a year and a half ago, Miller approached him about the possibility of eventually succeeding him as sheriff when he retires. Since then, the two have been intentionally preparing for that transition.
Preparing for the future has meant continuing his education while working full time. Galbraith earned his criminal justice degree, completed several supervisory leadership courses and spent three months at The Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs as part of the Public Safety Leadership Academy.
He said every opportunity has helped prepare him for greater responsibility while reinforcing the importance of servant leadership.
One Step At A Time
His path into law enforcement began in 2007 after graduating from the police academy. He briefly worked part time for the Fayette Police Department before joining the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office full time, where he started in dispatch before moving onto road patrol as a deputy.
Since then, nearly his entire law enforcement career has been spent serving Fulton County. Along the way, he became a K-9 handler with K-9 Fazzo, was promoted to sergeant and later captain, and today continues to serve as commander of the county’s Special Response Team.
Despite the promotions, Galbraith said he never planned his career around titles. Instead, he simply focused on reaching the next goal before setting another.
Looking back, he said he never imagined he would one day become chief deputy. That perspective, he believes, helped keep him grounded throughout his career.
“If you had asked me years ago if I ever envisioned myself as chief deputy, the answer would have been no,” he said. “You take it one day at a time, set a goal and work toward that goal.”
Deep Roots Throughout The County
For Galbraith, serving the community has always been personal. Born and raised in Fulton County, he lived and attended school in Wauseon and still lives there with his wife.
Much of his extended family also calls the area home, although slightly north up in Lyons, giving him deep roots throughout the county. He said those connections make wearing the badge even more meaningful.
“I think it comes down to your roots,” Galbraith said. “Being a homegrown Fulton County person who grew up in this community and knows the majority of the people means a lot. I take a great deal of pride in being here and working within the county.”
His interest in law enforcement began long before he ever wore a uniform. Growing up in the country, sheriff’s deputies were often the officers he saw patrolling local roads and interacting with residents.
Those experiences sparked an interest in the profession and ultimately led him to the sheriff’s office. Today, he helps lead the same department that inspired him when he was young.
Homegrown County People
Galbraith believes that hometown connection shapes the culture of the sheriff’s office. He said deputies recognize that they are serving friends, neighbors and families they may have known for years.
Because of that, treating people with respect and professionalism remains one of the office’s highest priorities. He also hopes residents remember that local deputies are part of the same communities they protect.
“We are here to help,” Galbraith said. “We are very much homegrown county people who interact with our own people, and we try to do what’s right.”
He acknowledges that law enforcement agencies across the country are sometimes judged by events that happen far from Fulton County.
Even so, he believes the local relationship between deputies and residents remains strong because of the trust built over many years.
He said community support is something deputies notice and never take for granted. That support motivates them to continue serving the county to the best of their ability.
As Galbraith begins his new role, he said his priorities remain much the same as when he first entered law enforcement nearly two decades ago.
The title may have changed, but his focus continues to be serving Fulton County and the people who call it home.
Being selected for the position is an honor, he said, but it also carries a responsibility he does not take lightly. It is a responsibility he hopes to fulfill for many years to come.