Alpine public defender receives deputies' endorsement

Deputy Edward Braz, president of the Alpine County Deputy Sheriff's Association, announced the association has voted to endorse Thomas D. Kolpacoff for judge in the upcoming judicial election.

"The DSA represents 12 sheriff's deputies throughout Alpine County," said Braz. "As front-line officers, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence in law enforcement and our members felt strongly that it was important to let the community know that we support excellence on the bench as well. We have seen Tom Kolpacoff in action in the courtroom, and respect not only his knowledge of the law but also his sense of fairness and balance. We believe Kolpacoff both understands and respects law enforcement, and will be an asset to the Alpine court."

Kolpacoff, who has served as Alpine County's Public Defender for approximately five years, acknowledged the unusual accolade. "I am extremely pleased and honored that the DSA has chosen to support me in this important election," Kolpacoff noted. "It is not every day that deputies express such support for defense counsel, so I especially appreciate their confidence in my legal abilities and my ability to be fair."