Make no mistake, sometimes being the lone lawman in the rural town of Boulder Creek can be a bit intimidating.
Take, for example, in the weeks before the Bear Fire last fall when Community Deputy Adam Roberts ventured, alone, into a remote trouble area rife with crime.
“There was a plethora of stuff going on up there,” said Roberts. “We knew there were drugs and chop shops in operation. Prior to the fire I was going up on a regular basis.”
What he didn’t know was that a man would soon set his girlfriend’s house on fire. While 391 acres burned, causing injuries to 13 firefighters, Roberts’s knowledge of the area with no street names served him well as he led security detail for police and firefighters during the blaze.
But 30-year-old Roberts, who took command of the Boulder Creek Service Center when it opened last August, does much more than catch bad guys. He’s the face of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department, partnering with residents to solve problems and address critical issues.
“I like being proactive and helping people,” said Roberts, who joined the force after working as a volunteer fireman with Felton Fire Protection District and Boulder Creek Fire Dept.
“I appreciate that I can make an impact on peoples’ lives. I want them to know that law enforcement is your friend,” Roberts said.
And it’s beginning to look like the feeling is mutual.
After Roberts spent time last week answering questions at nearby Camp Krem, which has served children and adults with disabilities since 1957, he was taken aback by their appreciation.
Christina Krem, the director at the camp, delivered Roberts a framed welcome sign autographed by a group of campers.
“They didn’t have to do that,” said Roberts, lighting up with a smile. “(I guess) they appreciate that I’m here.”
A lifelong San Lorenzo Valley resident, Roberts graduated from SLV High School in 2006 and after taking some classes at Cabrillo and working as a firefighter, joined the force four years ago.
He worked as a patrolman in Felton, Boulder Creek and Aptos while waiting for an assignment that would fit his personality. When the new substation came up he applied. “I was lucky enough to get it,” said a boyish-looking Roberts. “I like working in the valley because it’s not that busy with crime. It allows me to focus on specific tasks.”
Roberts feels good when he’s helping someone in danger to safety. This is never more apparent that when he is called to a dangerous domestic dispute and takes the violent party to jail.
“I enjoy keeping someone safe,” Roberts said.
But, clearly, it’s the up-close-and-personal interactions that give him spark.
This week, after chatting with kids at San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School, a little girl ran up to Roberst carrying a red heart, emblazoned with “You’re the Best.”
“It warmed my heart,” Roberts said.
