1.         Sheriff Muller, when did you first become interested in a public service career?

I first served my country with the U. S. Marine Corps on a 13-month Marine Recon Unit during the Vietnam War.  After six years, I was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant E-5.

2.         After serving as a Marine for six years, did you return to Adams County and start working in criminal justice?

No, I worked in the building construction trade; I started and managed a successful masonry company for a number of years.   Then in 1991, I was appointed Constable of Mt. Pleasant Township by Presiding Judge, Oscar Spicer, which led me to a position with the Adams County Prison System.  Then I took a position as a County Detective for Adams County.

3.         What kind of criminal justice education or training do you have?

I attended the Officer Corrections School in Hershey, PA., and I attended state-mandated Constable Courses held at the Harrisburg Area Community College.  Later on, I attended Dickinson School of Law where I graduated from the Deputy Sheriff’s Academy.  Formal classes have allowed me to stay current in techniques and issues of law and law enforcement. 

4.         Am I to understand then, that your formal training corresponded with each new position you held?

Yes, and, of course, I gained a great deal of hands-on experience from each job. I got experience dealing with the criminal justice system, crime, criminals, prisoners and prisoner transport as well as security, among other issues. 

5.         What kind of weapons training have you had, since leaving the Marines?

I have been a life-long firearms enthusiast and am an expert shooter.  I became a state-certified Firearms Instructor; I successfully completed the basic and the advanced firearms training with the Pennsylvania State Police; and I also received Armor’s School training certification through Sig-Arms. 

Now, I am responsible for the firearms training of all sworn deputies, as well as officers from neighboring police departments.

6.         Sheriff Muller, what was your role, when you first joined the Adams County Sheriff’s Office?   

I started with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office (ASCO) in 1998 and was placed in charge of the Warrant & Civil Process Division.  I was appointed as a Deputy U.S. Marshal l the same year, and was even voted Deputy of the Year!

7.         Well, it sounds like 1998 was a great year for you. You’ve been Adams County Sheriff for a four-year term. Tell us how did that come about?

I was a Deputy Sheriff for eight years, when four years ago, I decided to run for Sheriff.  I was concerned about the lack of progress that I was observing within the Sheriff’s Office and felt like I could have a positive impact.  I decided that I wanted to put to use my years of experience as a business person, a Constable, County Detective, Corrections worker and Deputy Sheriff.  I ran for office and was successful.

8.         Would you tell us about some of the changes that have been instituted since your appointment as Sheriff?

Well, I’m pleased to tell you that it is not an easy question to answer in a brief paragraph. We have accomplished a good many things.  I instituted a number of measures aimed at improving the Sheriff’s Office in order to better undertake its primary mission and to enhance communications within and outside the Sheriff’s Office (particularly with other law enforcement agencies); I restructured, reorganized, streamlined functions, cut costs, worked with county officials and an outside law enforcement consultant whose services we acquired pro bono, improved morale and personnel retention, received grants used to acquire modernized and new equipment needed to carry out the Office duties and improve Deputy safety, and more! 

9.         Sheriff Muller, I understand one acquisition is a four-footed multi-purpose aid? Would you explain?

Sure, the Sheriff’s Office now has a K-9 dog.  He is cross-trained for multi-purposes, such as:  assisting in locating prisoners who escape and flee; assisting in tracking and locating missing children and seniors; and locating the presence of drugs. Additionally, the K-9 also serves as a community relations tool by fostering improved interaction between the Sheriff’s Office and the community, especially children. The K-9 is also used in several other community outreach programs for the Sheriff’s Office.  The dog is also a resource available to other police departments throughout the county and, in fact, has been loaned out several times to other law enforcement agencies who have requested assistance, since the program started. It is worthy to note that the K-9 dog, its equipment, its maintenance and its care has not and will not cost the county taxpayers a dime. It was all done through the voluntary efforts of the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office whose efforts raised the necessary funds through individual donations from citizens throughout the county.

10.       Sheriff Muller, you certainly have accomplished a great deal, what’s next for you?

I foresee building on the many positive things the Office of Sheriff has accomplished to date. I want to continue to be aggressive with service of criminal and domestic bench warrants, which will bring in more money owed to help the County budget. I would like to offer training in the proper use of firearms, where it is unavailable to the public, homeowners and those with CCW permits. It is my goal to develop even closer working relationships with local and state police departments, and continue to train staff to help better understand and adapt to the growing Hispanic Community.  ■