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Fraser-Winter Park Police’s Cmdr. Brett Schroetlin named ‘Hometown Hero’

Byron Hetzler/Sky-Hi Daily News
ALL | Sky-Hi Daily News

A native of Colorado, Fraser-Winter Park Police Commander Brett Schroetlin has been named Grand County Home Town Hero.

In 2002, he joined the Grand County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) as a patrol deputy. He already had earned Peace Officers Standards and Training certification from the Police Academy and had prior work experience with the Larimer County Corner’s Office as an Investigator and served as a patrol officer with the Berthoud Police Department.

“Brett worked at our department for several years. He is a good hand and very conscientious,” said Grand County Undersheriff Walt Eldridge.



During his four years serving with the GCSO, he was promoted to sergeant then lieutenant. He served as a DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) instructor, sharing drug prevention information with 5th grade students in local DARE classes.

As collateral duties, Brett served as a member of Grand County Special Response Team and the Grand County Drug Task Force.



Words such as “dedicated, focused and concerned” have been used often in conversations with Schroetlin’s colleagues and supervisors. Fraser-Winter Park Police Chief, Glen Trainor said he is proud of his entire department.

“The Hometown Hero program is a good program. It is great that Brett is being recognized. All of our staff are pleased with his selection. He deserves this special recognition,” Trainor said.

From helping to dig Fraser Valley tourists out of ditches to teaching other police officers how to work with police search dogs to raising more than $17,000 in grants and donations to pay for Astra, the new Fraser-Winter Park police dog, and volunteering for extra training, Schroetlin still finds time to serve our community as a part-time deputy coroner.

“After extensive preparation and support from our Fraser and Winter Park town councils, I attended a six-week K-9 training program at Vohne Liche Kennels. My K-9 partner, Astra, is a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, who was breed in Europe and trained in Indiana at the special kennel. She is a certified patrol and narcotics dog. Astra lives with me and my family. I am responsible for her daily care,” Schroetlin explained.

Speaking from his heart, Schroetlin described his career goals.

“Obviously, K-9 policing is a keen interest. Liquor enforcement, police supervision and community relations are very important to me, too.”

Recently promoted to the rank of commander, Schroetlin is a worthy Hometown Hero.

“As a community newspaper we are proud to partner on the Grand County Hometown Hero project, which recognizes the significant contributions of paid and volunteer first responders,” said Sky-Hi Daily News Publisher Kim Burner.

“Outstanding service is always an important consideration in our selection process.”

Realtor Penny Hamilton, owner/broker of Forest and Lake Real Estate, is a co-sponsor of this important program. “Community recognition of the sacrifice and service of our first responders is a very small thank you for the significant contributions of our police, firefighters, search and rescue, EMS rescuers and their families and friends,” she said.

Hometown Heroes can be nominated by anyone in the community. Just call us at 887-1881 with your nominee.”


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