GREENVILLE – “If I didn’t like you so much, I wouldn’t do this!” I laughed and said, “I didn’t know you liked me at all!” We both laughed and entered the back door to the EMA building at the Sheriff’s office on Thursday, February 26th, his last day. That was the beginning of the retirement party for Chief Deputy Randy Linkous.
I tell you this not only because I like Randy, but it gives you an insight into his personality. He does not like talking about himself….at all! Randy is the officer who does things quietly and efficiently, and for 31 years, he has served Darke County just that way; quietly, no fanfare, and with smooth efficiency.
This story will be short and to the point, because Randy is the quiet cop. However, he is very respected among the men and women of the Sheriff’s Department, and by his boss, Sheriff Whittaker. I actually asked Randy if he would like to do a video on My County Link about him and his career, but he graciously declined (no surprise there!), but did agree to this interview that I promised would be quick, to which explains the first line of this article!
Randy was born on March 6th, 1972 in Morrow County Ohio, about 30 minutes north of Columbus. He attended Highland High School. Randy moved to Greenville in June of 1994 and married his wife, Katie (a really sweet person!) in 2003. He has four children total and five grandchildren, with some more on the way. I asked him what being an officer in Darke County is like.
He said in 31 years he has seen a lot of changes, but it has been a rewarding job, and Darke County is a good community to work for, law enforcement gets a lot of support, not like you see on the news.
I asked him what would he like to see changed, he thought for a second and said, “Accountability for criminals!” I asked if he thought that would change any time soon, and he said quietly, “No.”
He does like the new judge, and he likes the way things are done here. He does think that the Sheriff’s office is in good condition with newer equipment and support from the Commissioners and others. He said they are blessed with the training the Sheriff does to keep them trained, and they are fortunate for that.
When asked about retirement, he said, “I don’t know…..I haven’t thought about it a lot.” I believe that! His hobbies include hunting, fishing, and almost anything outdoors. He wants to spend a lot of time with the grandkids and just enjoy life a little.
With that, the interview ended. I wished him luck and to take care of himself and enjoy his retirement. That was it….two minutes and 45 seconds of Randy talking a little about himself, and that is about as long as he is comfortable talking about himself!
I talk to people who know him; his officers and co-workers, and the respect they have for him is evident. Not only respect….they genuinely like him….as do most people who get to meet and know him.
His replacement, Tyler Young, another good officer, is the opposite….Tyler is more outgoing and is a pleasure to talk to…and he has big shoes to fill! I wish him well in replacing a man who has served Darke County so well for all these years. Randy has surely earned it!
Quiet, efficient, well-liked, and respected…that is the Randy Linkous I know. He does have a sense of humor and has that little smile that makes everyone comfortable. I will miss Randy at the Sheriff’s office, and the people of Darke County will miss him, too. Small counties like ours are lucky to have good men and women to serve us in law enforcement, and they are lucky to have a leader like Chief Deputy Randy Linkous. I am lucky too to have known him….we need more like him….the quiet cop who does the job in the shadows, and does it very well! Good luck, my friend, you did well!
