(don't use) Slider, Features, Meeker, Milestones

Phil Stubblefield sworn in as new Meeker chief of police

MEEKER I The town council hall was filled to capacity April 18, as Lisa Cook, town clerk, administered the oath of office to new Chief of Police Phil Stubblefield.

“Do you Phillip Stubblefield solemnly swear by the ever-loving God to support the Constitution of the United States and the State of Colorado and faithfully perform the duties of the office of Chief of Police upon which you are about to enter, that you will honorably protect and serve the citizens of Meeker, Colo., to the best of your abilities?” Cook asked.
With Stubblefield’s response, “Yes, I do,” there was a hearty round of applause from all present in support of the new leadership that follows the successes of former chief, Bob Hervey.
In a few words of his own, Stubblefield thanked everyone for coming. “It’s a great honor to have this position, and I am even more honored that all of you could come and be here with me. Thank you.”
Stubblefield also introduced two new officers who are joining the ranks of Meeker law enforcement—Eddie Thompson and Matt Spangler—and also announced the soon retirement of longtime officer Mike Washburn.
With a long and distinguished career in law enforcement spanning more than 35 years, not only in Meeker but elsewhere, Phil Stubblefield reached one of the zeniths in that field on Tuesday, April 18: Chief of Police.
Starting out as an electrician, first working for his father, an electrical contractor, and then in the mines, Stubblefield entered law enforcement as a deputy for the Emery County Sheriff in Utah, serving there from 1980 to 1984.
While receiving basic on-the-job training there, he attended the police academy about 10 months later. A few months after that, he was promoted to the position of detective.
On Sept. 17, 1984, Stubblefield came to Meeker, working as a patrolman for about a year under Chief Bill Elder and then Si Woodruff. He became a lieutenant in 1985.
Stubblefield has been dedicated to his field not only vocationally but academically. He earned a Criminal Justice degree from Colorado Northwest Community College and went on to get his certification as a vocational instructor. He has taught college and Police academy courses during a 20 year period.
He has also taken courses in business, business law, human resources and others, as well as earning several certifications: investigations and incident command, management, supervision and emergency management.
In 1995, Stubblefield ran for Rio Blanco County Sheriff and served two terms. He also served as the Public Information Officer (PIO) during this time. Typically, a PIO is a communication coordinator or spokesperson of a governmental agency who provides information to the media and the public.
Stubblefield left Meeker from 2004–2006, when he was the liaison between the Grand County Airport and the TSA. He oversaw the no-fly list, did background checks and performed other security duties.
Former Meeker District Attorney Jim Wilson telephoned Stubblefield in 2006 and asked if he would like to be the chief investigator for the DA’s office in Cortez.
As Stubblefield put it, and as others have observed, Cortez is notorious as still being “the old wild west.”
“We had a lot of aggravated assaults, and in one year we had three homicides,” he said.
After three years in Cortez, Stubblefield returned to Meeker. “Bob (Hervey) was looking for a lieutenant,” he said. “I talked to him once and was going to do it but then decided not to because I hated to leave my boss (in Cortez). But a month or two later I saw the advertisement and decided I would come back because I liked the stuff I was doing before.”
The “stuff” he referred to was not just usual policing duties, but programs aimed at community relationships. One such program was Officer Friendly, which involved him going to the schools and doing a safety program associated with each grade.
It’s actually such programs that give Stubblefield the most satisfaction in his job. He is passionate about the police department’s community and school involvement. He abhors the “us against them” attitude that sometimes exists between law enforcement and the community. Just a few of the programs he has founded include the elk bugling contest, bicycle rodeo, Stranger Danger and Eddie Eagle gun safety.
He also voiced concerns that these programs will continue now that he is chief. “It might be hard for me as chief to have the time to do all those, so I would like to get one of the officers who enjoys such involvement to fill in that spot,” he said. “After all, in a few years, it might be time for me to retire.”
He also has other ideas for programs he would like to implement. One he has been pondering is the Western Slope Fallen Officers Program, which would involve an ATV ride to benefit such families. “A certain section or miles of the ride would be named for a particular fallen officer,” he said.
Stubblefield’s other accomplishments should boost our community’s confidence in his leadership. He has solved complex crimes including homicides, received a governor’s appointment to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, attained state accreditation for Sheriff’s Office Operations and taught livestock theft investigation to county sheriffs throughout Colorado.
Especially noteworthy, he founded and trademarked the Ranch Watch Program, which is designed to prevent criminal activities in rural and ranching communities. Founded while he was sheriff here, it is now being used in counties across Colorado.
Stubblefield is conservative in his management style and budgeting. Instead of a new patrol car once a year, for example, that will probably extend to two years. After all, he pointed out, a new car costing $35,000 is still not ready for law enforcement use until another $10,000 is spent outfitting it.
“We have not been wasting money, but I will look a little harder at other things we might be able to do,” he said.
He is also pleased that budgets have not interfered with what officers need for efficiency and safety. All officers have had a body camera, for example, for a couple of years. They even have tactical equipment and the training to use it just in case the day comes when it’s needed.
Stubblefield also shared a request he wants to make of the community. While he’s not soliciting frivolous complaints—body cameras often expose those—he does want to know if there is a significant issue with an officer.
“What’s frustrating is that people complain through the grapevine but won’t come forward,” he said. “But if people are serious about something that is going on, instead of sharing it with other people, they should come into my office and let me know because I can’t do anything based on rumors.”
Phil Stubblefield learned early on to be a down-to-earth police officer. “I have always said that law enforcement is 90 percent common sense,” he said. With his characteristic soft laugh, he then added, “The other 10 percent is knowing the job and calling a supervisor to make sure you’re doing it right.”
Well, he’s now the supervisor.

Comments are closed.

Come say hi!

@ht.1885
  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
  • Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

Thank you, advertisers!