ORLANDO, Fla. — Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten has officially been installed as the fifth president of the Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association (SRLEEA), a national organization representing executives from small, rural and tribal law enforcement agencies across the United States.
Patten assumed the role following the conclusion of SRLEEA’s 2026 National Conference in Orlando, where law enforcement leaders from across the country gathered for three days of training, leadership development and collaboration with federal, state, local and tribal partners.
A U.S. Navy veteran, Patten has served as sheriff of Adams County since taking office on Jan. 5, 2016. He became the youngest sheriff in the county’s history and the first African American elected to the position since the Reconstruction era. During his tenure, Patten has earned recognition at both the state and national levels for initiatives aimed at strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve while promoting innovative public safety programs.
Patten has also become a national advocate for small, rural and tribal law enforcement agencies, frequently representing their interests in discussions with federal officials and emphasizing the unique challenges those agencies face.
During his acceptance speech, Patten highlighted the commitment of officers serving smaller communities.
“Small and rural law enforcement has never been defined by the size of our agencies,” Patten said. “We have always been defined by the size of our hearts, the strength of our character, the depth of our commitment, and our willingness to answer the call.”
As president, Patten said he plans to focus on expanding opportunities for SRLEEA members by advocating for enhanced training, stronger partnerships, improved access to technology, officer wellness initiatives and greater representation for small, rural and tribal law enforcement agencies.
“I will fight to ensure that our voices continue to be heard in Washington and in every state capitol across this country,” Patten said. “I will fight for better training, stronger partnerships, greater access to technology, and officer wellness.”
Outgoing President Sheriff Eli Rivera was recognized during the conference for leading the organization through a period of growth marked by expanded federal partnerships and increased national recognition.
SRLEEA Executive Director Mike Brown said he believes the association will continue building on that momentum under Patten’s leadership.
“Under Sheriff Patten’s leadership, SRLEEA will continue its mission of equipping small, rural, and tribal law enforcement executives with the leadership, education, partnerships, and advocacy needed to strengthen public safety across America,” Brown said.
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