If you see Deputy Jeremy Minor around, it will most likely be on the side of the road with a vehicle pulled over or sitting along the side of the road waiting to meet the next violator.
Minor, a 10-year veteran of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, has done so much traffic enforcement, and done it well, he was issued retired sheriff Mark Casteel’s unmarked Charger.
Minor, who is 31, knew early on in his life that he wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement.
“During my senior year of high school, I attended the Area 30 Career Center and participated in their law enforcement program,” he said. “The program was run similar to the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy at the time, including wearing pressed ‘tans’ and a clip on tie. I immediately knew law enforcement was my calling. It had been the only thing I completely absorbed.
“I remember telling coaches that I would be missing games or practices to role play for the Greencastle SWAT team. I remember they would be upset with me, but I knew then, and when I think back now, I made the right decision because sports were not my future but law enforcement would become my career.”
Captain Charles Inman of the Greencastle Police Department was the first officer Minor got to know on a personal basis.
“Captain Inman was an instrumental part of setting my path,” he said. “He worked hard to make sure his students would become successful.
“I remember as part of the program we were able to do ride alongs. Not only was Capt. Inman a good instructor but he was also well disciplined. He held us to a high standard of conduct even though we were just students. It taught me that my actions today would determine my success tomorrow. He held us accountable.
“I remember riding with Capt. Inman in his slick top Crown Victoria — a car I dreamed of driving one day. (It was later discontinued.) His car was clean and full of Little Trees New Car Scent fresheners, which I proclaim to this day as the official police vehicle scent.”
During the summer before college Minor attended the Indiana State Police Career Camp. At camp he was awarded the physical fitness award, which was largely in part due to being in track and field under the direction of Coach Jim Spencer. This led to an internship with the Indiana State Police.
“That is where I caught the ‘traffic bug,’” Minor said.
Following high school, he was accepted to Vincennes University.
“I remember vividly walking with Professor Aric Frazier down the third floor hallway and him telling me ‘… you are going to be a police officer one day …” in conversation. I knew that I wanted to be one, but to hear a college professor who had been a police officer himself tell me I was as a statement really made me feel empowered,” Minor said.
While at Vincennes he was a police cadet with the University Police Department.
“The program exposed me to the mundane parts of police work such as building checks and event security,” he said. “Though I describe them as mundane now I enjoyed them at the time and it added experience to the big picture of what all I would be doing later in my life as a sheriff’s deputy. It’s not all lights and sirens.”
Minor started with the MCSO in 2011 when Jail Captain Lonnie Jones (now retired) chose him over another applicant who had family ties to the profession.
“This made an impact on me because he put himself out on a limb choosing me for the position,” he said.
In 2013, following his final merit deputy process, Jones met with Minor and declared “you are ready” based on his observations of Minor’s overall job performance and actions taken during a fight between inmates in the jail. This is when Minor began working the road.
“I would credit Captain Inman for giving me the image of what a true professional was; Professor Frazier for the education and determination to continue on my set path; and Captain Jones for seeing the potential in me and opening the door,” he said. “They were instrumental in shaping me and they led me to where I am today.”
In addition to being a patrol officer, Minor also participates in the Indiana Sheriff’s Association Honor Guard; completed his hostage and negotiations phase I and II courses; is a SWAT operator and field training officer; is a certified K9 decoy; and since 2019 has worked as the New Richmond Town Marshal.
“Of the specialties I get to participate in being an FTO is especially important to me,” Minor said. “There is a great honor and responsibility related to training new officers. They will become tomorrow leaders. As I have matured through my job, I see that’s it’s not about my successes. It is ensuring that others can be successful when I’m not there. The job will go on if you will and the success of our department will be in their hands. They will be the officers who represent your department.”
When not on duty, Minor enjoys water fowl hunting, fishing, going to the farm with a co-worker, riding motorcycles, camping, and just spending time with his family. He and his wife, Brooke, who he met in college, have three children, Elena, 6, Elias, 4, and Brookson, 2. They attend Eastside Baptist Church.
“The best part of coming home after work is hearing the kids yell and scream ‘daddy’ as they run in for a hug,” Minor said. “I do my job the best that I can, I go home to my family, and I shut it off. I cannot control what happens after I’ve done my part. I focus on the things that matter. I’ve been known to say ‘family is forever.’ Your friends will eventually leave, you will retire from your job which will go on without you. Don’t let it define who you are and ruin what you have.”