PUEBLO COUNTY — Sheriff David J. Lucero, a 26-year law enforcement veteran and lifelong public servant, announced his campaign for re-election as Pueblo County Sheriff.

Lucero was elected in 2022 and took office in 2023 with a mission to strengthen public safety, modernize law enforcement operations, and deepen public trust through integrity, transparency, and results-driven leadership.

Since taking office, Sheriff Lucero has focused on strengthening staffing, improving operations, and supporting the deputies and staff who serve Pueblo County every day. His leadership is driven by a commitment to professionalism, accountability, and fiscally responsible decision-making.

In July 2025, the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office earned its third Triple Crown Accreditation from the National Sheriffs’ Association, making it one of only four sheriff’s offices among Colorado’s 64 counties and one of only 54 agencies nationwide to achieve this rare and elite distinction. luceroforsheriff.com

“Serving the people of Pueblo County is the greatest honor of my career,” said Lucero. “I believe in leading with integrity and accountability, and in building trust through action. Since 2023, we’ve made measurable progress in strengthening staffing, modernizing operations, and improving public safety throughout the county — and there is still more work to do.”

Delivering Results Since 2023

Under Sheriff Lucero’s leadership, the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office has:

• Implemented a new pay and retention plan to improve recruitment and keep high-quality staff.
• Expanded crime-fighting technology, including license plate reader tools that assist in recovering stolen vehicles and locating missing persons.
• Supported investigative and enforcement operations targeting violent crime, drug trafficking, and weapons offenses.
• Led successful Search & Rescue operations in dangerous conditions, saving lives in Pueblo County’s backcountry.
• Strengthened partnerships with Colorado State University–Pueblo, where the Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement services, and with Pueblo Community College to support safety and community engagement initiatives.

A Vision for the Future

Sheriff Lucero’s priorities for the next term include:

• Expanding community policing initiatives
• Strengthening recruitment and retention for all divisions
• Implementing technology and proven strategies to stay ahead of evolving crime trends
• Remaining fiscally responsible as Pueblo County opens its new jail facility in 2026

Sheriff Lucero continues to be active in the community as an advisory member of the Pueblo Child Advocacy Center and Pueblo Crime Stoppers, and through continued involvement with local chambers of commerce, faith-based service, and youth sports programs throughout Pueblo County.

“This campaign is about continuing progress,” Lucero added. “We’ve made important strides, but the work is not finished — and I’m committed to keeping Pueblo County safe with professionalism, transparency, and steady leadership.”

Re-Elect Sheriff David J. Lucero for Pueblo County Sheriff.

Pueblo County Sheriff Kirk Taylor announced Friday he is a finalist for a new law enforcement job and as a result, is not planning to run for a fifth term in office.

Taylor, a Democrat, is nearing the end of his 15th year as the county’s top law enforcement official and is scheduled to serve through early January 2023.

"As I continue as a finalist in another law enforcement endeavor, I believe that it would be inappropriate and disingenuous for me to announce my candidacy for re-election in 2022,” he explained.

If he does not get the other job, he and his wife of 36 years, Cassy, are prepared to give retirement a try. Taylor, who grew up in Rye, started his law enforcement career in 1987 with the Alamosa Police Department and worked several years as an investigator for the district attorney’s office under Gus Sandstrom before running for the sheriff’s job.

Taylor supports Dave Lucero as Pueblo County's next sheriff.

Taylor said he will help whoever gets elected as the new sheriff, but he is throwing his support to one candidate he knows very well. Long-time Pueblo County Sheriff Bureau Chief Dave Lucero, also a Democrat, currently oversees the jail operations and plans to run for sheriff next year.

“He was a detective in investigations when I started in 2006,” Taylor said. “He has grown as a manager and has been in the bureau chief position for both the law enforcement division and the detention division, which he runs now.

“He has helped me and the leadership team deal with a myriad of challenges and really is the only guy with the tools to take this agency forward."

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