NATCHEZ, Miss. — Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten has been elected Vice Chair of the Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives’ Association (SRLEEA) Board of Governors for the 2025–2026 term. The slate of officers was installed during SRLEEA’s Annual Conference in Lawrence, Kansas, and announced from the association’s headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia.
SRLEEA represents the interests of law-enforcement leaders serving small towns, rural counties, and tribal communities across the United States. The association says the new board will prioritize officer wellness initiatives, stronger partnerships with tribal nations, advocacy for resources in underserved jurisdictions, and ensuring the voices of small, rural, and tribal agencies are heard at every level of government.
“These officers embody the strength and spirit of small, rural, and tribal law enforcement,” the association said in its announcement. SRLEEA President Sheriff Eliezer “Eli” Rivera added, “We may serve in communities often overlooked, but our commitment to public safety is second to none.”
Alongside Sheriff Patten, the 2025–2026 officers include:
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President: Sheriff Eli Rivera (Cheshire County, NH)
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Chair: Chief Adam Salyards (Spring Township Police Department, PA)
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First Vice Chair: Sheriff Jason Sandholdt (Marion County, IA)
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Second Vice President: Sheriff Thomas Boyer (Valley County, MT)
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Sergeant-at-Arms: Sheriff Robert Roberts (Wyoming County, PA)
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At-Large Members: Chief Kenny Antolik (Berwyn Heights Police Department, MD); Chief Michael Barrow (Southern Ute Tribal Police Department); Chief Mark Bensen (Nez Perce Tribal Police Department)
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Chaplain: Sheriff Jeffrey Richards (Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, KS)
Sheriff Patten’s new role places Adams County at the table as SRLEEA works on national policy, training, and resource priorities that directly affect rural agencies— including those in Southwest Mississippi.
For more about SRLEEA and its work on behalf of small, rural, and tribal agencies, visit the association online or contact its administrative office.
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