Deputy switches to Marion police force
Staff writer
Belief in community policing and helping residents through difficult moments prompted Jesse Raney’s move from the sheriff’s office to Marion police.
“It just seemed like a better fit for me,” Raney said.
Raney started in law enforcement in January, 2024, after moving to Marion County from Independence at the prompt of his girlfriend-now-wife. He lives in Florence with his wife and three children.
Before entering law enforcement, Raney worked building corrals and fencing for cattle.
He originally dreamed of becoming a game warden because of a lifelong love of hunting and fishing. However, the human side of policing drew him in.
“I really love being out there, communicating with people and helping any way I can,” he said. “Even in the worst situations, you can always be a good person. Yes, we’re here to do a job, but we’re also here to help you.”
One of the moments that reinforced his approach came during a traffic stop while he still was with the sheriff’s office.
A driver who had hit a deer later wrote a letter thanking him after what began as a tense interaction turned positive because Raney focused first on the man’s well-being rather than the damaged vehicle.
“You keep doing what you do, and you do it in a positive way, and it can make a difference,” Raney said.
Raney currently is training with Chief Aaron Slater and said he expects to begin patrolling on his own within the next few weeks.
Raney’s priorities are “God, family, and work,” he said, with most of his free time spent at home with his family or outdoors fishing or playing disc golf.