“My heart is to give back to our community."”

– Cherokee Blake

GILPIN COUNTY — A crowd of over 90 people recently gathered at the Gilpin County Community Center to share memories, hugs, and tears in celebration of Cherokee Blake as she retires from the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office after over 28 years of service.

Well wishes for Cherokee came from as far away as Arizona and Utah.

Cherokee came to Black Hawk in the summer of 1995. For two years, she commuted three hours per day to her job in southeast Aurora. Then an opportunity knocked that would change her life.

She started her career with the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office in August of 1997. “It was a different world back then,” former Sheriff Bruce Hartman recalled.

Gaming was finding its feet, and his office had only been in the newly constructed Justice Center for a short while. Sheriff Hartman was looking for someone who could hit the ground running in a time of disruption and uncertainty.

Sharon Cate fondly recalls the conversation she had with Hartman only a few months after she had joined Gilpin County in 1997. As he lamented about the overwhelming tasks he was faced with, Cate realized that her friend Cherokee Blake was just the person he needed to bring organization to the vision he had.

Within a few short weeks, Cherokee began her epic journey.

“She just jumped right in and took charge,” Cate recalled. “She just turned chaos into organization.”

Hartman particularly remembers the challenges brought on by gaming and how she handled everything so smoothly.

“Cherokee adapted so well to her ever-increasing job responsibilities," he said. "There were so many transitions, and she stayed right on top of all of them. She always did a heck of a job.”

Susie Allen had been with the County for a few years when Cherokee was hired, and remembers her being instrumental in the implementation of the County’s Public Information Officer program for the sheriff’s office.

“Cherokee was appointed as the very first PIO for Gilpin County,” Allen said, “and continued to be the face of the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office for years to come.”

Bob Enney has worked for the sheriff’s office for over 30 years, and he fondly recalls when Cherokee first joined the team.

“Her enthusiasm and glow were like a breath of fresh air,” he said. “Cherokee improved our office 100% right out of the gate.”

Cherokee admits at first her new challenge was intimidating. Right away, she was sent to a class on civil service processes. She recalls leaving the class in tears, completely overwhelmed by the jargon and responsibilities.

“Turns out they sent me to an advanced class,” she laughed. She had only been in her new position for a couple of months when 20/20 came knocking at the door, complete with reporters and cameras. “I got my first introduction into the world of Public Information Officer before my feet even got wet!”

Cherokee contributes much of her initial success to undersheriff at the time, Jon Bayne, and to then- sergeant Tonia Kapke.  

“Jon always helped me and answered my millions of questions with patience. He made sure that I had all the information I needed to be able to do my job,” she recalled. “As a sergeant at the time, Tonia patiently guided and supported me, helping me gain confidence and find my footing in a world so foreign to me—something I remain truly grateful for.”

“Back then, the culture was much more informal and laid back,” Cherokee reflected. As governmental oversight of law enforcement expanded, she found herself tasked with revising policies and procedures, something that was a recurring theme throughout her career.

She also watched as the sheriff’s office grew from just a few folks to the staff that it has today. “Building relationships and supporting our expanding staff will always be one of my favorite memories.”

Cherokee had always been involved with the school in Gilpin County. Whether it was helping out in classrooms or cheering for her grandkids at a sporting event, her smiling face was well known.

“My heart is to give back to our community,” she said.

In 2019, she took the leap and ran for the school board and found herself with yet another new challenge. She was sworn in that November. A scant few months later, the pandemic hit.

Gilpin School Superintendent Dr. David MacKenzie (Dr. Dave to everyone who knows him) remembers well when Cherokee first came onto the board.

“She came to us at the worst time but was definitely the best person to have with us," he said. "She brought perseverance and leadership to us during an incredibly difficult time.”

Joe Stranaly worked with Cherokee for several years at the sheriff’s office, as well as at the school when he was coaching football. He joined her on the school board in 2022. During their many years of working together, he recalls that she was his go-to person.

“I always went to Cherokee because she ran the sheriff’s office,” he laughed. “While serving with her on the school board, I always noticed that she was quiet and thoughtful, but when she did have something to say, it was always profound.”

Lyssa Gray has been dispatching for the sheriff’s office for 12 years and has worked with Cherokee during some of the most stressful incidents.

“Some of my most precious memories are the many times Cherokee and I would huddle together and pray for the safety of our team," Gray said. "We would share things that God had laid on our hearts in a world that can be very challenging and discouraging at times. It was always so lovely and comforting to know that I had a partner prayer warrior with me.”

Undersheriff Greg Demo has also worked with Cherokee for all of her 28+ year tenure. He addressed the standing-room-only crowd with words of praise and gratitude. He noted that she has served under two sheriffs, three undersheriffs, numerous command staff, and a magnitude of deputies, dispatchers, and staff.

He observed that through all of the many changes over her career, Cherokee has remained steady, dependable, and dedicated.

“What truly sets Cherokee’s years of service apart is not just the longevity of service, but also the quality of that service," he said. "There was always a willingness to help, a thoughtful approach, and a deep respect for the mission of this office and the people who carry it out.

"Her real legacy is the trust built, the professionalism modeled, and the countless individuals who were supported along the way.”

Sean Wheeler, the current Division Chief of Patrol, has worked with Cherokee for the last 14 years. When asked what first comes to mind about her, he immediately responded, “Helpful. She is always so helpful. Minor interruptions don’t faze her. She not only took our Administrative Office in the right direction but also the entire Sheriff’s Office. She has always been a big part of the growth of both people and technology improvements over the years.

"Honestly, her entire career has been a heavy lift.”

Sheriff Kevin Armstrong has nothing but good things to say when fondly recalling the seven years Cherokee served under him. He noted that her contributions as PIO went beyond the boundaries of Gilpin County, citing her participation in both the Aurora Theatre shooting and the Boulder King Soopers shooting, as well as numerous other incidents throughout the state.

“Cherokee is leaving us with a legacy of determination, commitment, professionalism, and strength," Armstrong said. "She has truly been a shining star in our office who will be deeply missed.”

Cherokee credits much of her enduring success to the unwavering support she has had from her family. The missed important family events, the late nights, and the stretches of absence from home didn’t deter them from embracing her sacrifices for her community, and she feels it made it so much easier for her to be dedicated to her job.

When asked what she will miss, Cherokee responded with a smile, “I will so miss all of the incredible people that I have had the privilege to partner with over all of these years. When I think back over the last 28 years, everything brings a smile to my face.”

Although she is just starting out on her retirement journey, Cherokee has plans to travel to Aruba, Hawaii, and Alaska. She is looking forward to having time to pursue her hobbies and start ticking things off of her bucket list. She also plans to spend lots of time kissing her grandbabies.