17 Deputy Dads in a year just might be a county record

Call it a sheriff ’s office baby boom. Seventeen law enforcement officers have become fathers this year. Officials say that might be a record for Missouri’s Jefferson County Sheriff ’s Office, which employs 175 sworn officers. “It’s really special,” Capt. Andy Sides said. His second child was born six months ago. “Holy cow.”

On Monday, 14 of the 17 new fathers, their wives and babies gathered at Sandy Creek Covered Bridge in Jefferson County for a photo. Most of the infants, gurgling or whining or wide-eyed and watchful in their parents’ arms, were also in uniform — matching white T-shirts with deputy badges printed on them and brown pants and accessories.

Why so many newborns this year? The half-joking buzz going around the department that the little ones are “Prop P babies” — referring to a property tax increase approved by voters in April 2018 to provide more funding to the sheriff ’s office.

“I think it’s more than a coincidence,” said Sgt. Matt Moore, father of newborn Luca. “It certainly gives you a lot more flexibility in starting a family if you’ve got more income. Kids aren’t getting any cheaper these days.”

Before the vote, Sheriff Dave Marshak had warned of a possible “mass exodus” of law enforcement officers if the measure didn’t pass. Other area police departments were offering more competitive salaries. Now, he said, recruiting is going well with new recruits recently coming from St. Louis, Manchester and Ballwin.