58 Years Behind the Badge

October 18, 2017

Nichole Hannahs,

(WCMH) The longest serving sheriff’s deputy in Ohio is celebrating 58 and a half years in law enforcement.

Coshocton County Auxiliary Deputy Royce Emerson recently turned 80 years. He said a lot has changed since he joined the Sheriff’s Office back on April 1st 1959, but one thing that’s stayed the same is his unwavering dedication to serving his community.

“A lot of times, I’ve been around so long they think I’m the sheriff. I say, ‘No, I’m not the sheriff,'” he says with a chuckle.

The 11 stars on his chest represent his many years of dedicated service.

“Five years of service, each one of them. If I’m in it two more years, I’ll get another one,” Deputy Emerson says.

Nearly six decades as an officer is often unheard of in law enforcement.

“We’re very proud of him,” says Sheriff Tim Rogers. “He stays very active. He’s physically fit and he stays very sharp on the firing range. He takes all of his certification classes.”