Dear Editor,

I had the profound privilege of serving alongside Zach Meyer for approximately six years at the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office. In our line of work, the people you serve with quickly become more than just colleagues. Over those years, I came to know Zach deeply—not only as a fellow deputy, but as a trusted confidant and true friend.

Even during our early days as young deputies, Zach carried a quiet, focused vision for his future. I distinctly remember him sharing his aspiration to one day serve as your Sheriff. That ambition was never driven by ego or a desire for a title. It was born from a genuine, deeply rooted calling to lead, protect, and make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

In law enforcement, the word trust carries a weight that few other professions can truly understand. It is forged in moments when your safety, your wellbeing, and your very life depend entirely on the person standing next to you. Zach is one of the rare individuals I can honestly say I trusted implicitly with my life.

Beyond his reliability in the field, I have always deeply respected his unwavering moral compass. Zach possesses the rare kind of integrity that allows him to hold people accountable, even when doing so is uncomfortable. He would look a close friend in the eye and tell them they were wrong if the situation demanded it. He never compromised his standards or altered his principles based on who was involved.

That level of consistency is exactly what true justice requires.

My perspective on these qualities is shaped by my own journey. Having immigrated to the United States from Iraq, I worked tirelessly to build a life here and followed an honorable path to earn the privilege of serving in American law enforcement. Because I know what it takes to earn that privilege, I do not take the virtues of integrity and duty lightly.

During my time with the Sheriff’s Office, Gilpin County became much more than a jurisdiction to me. It became a community I grew to love and care for deeply.

It is because of my profound respect for this community that I can state with absolute certainty that Zach’s dedication to Gilpin County is entirely authentic. I witnessed it every single day.

Titles can be handed out, but true respect and authority must be earned.

Zach Meyer earned mine completely.

For that reason, I am proud to offer my personal endorsement of Zach Meyer and my confidence in his commitment to serving the people of Gilpin County. 

G. Hameed

Former Deputy

Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office