Third generation Wray family member joins county law enforcement

​       Newly sworn in deputy sheriff, Matt Wray, middle, is joined by his father, Chris, at left, who currently serves as a sergeant with the Grinnell Police Department, and his grandfather, Larry Wray, right, who spent 32 years in law enforcement, six years with Grinnell and 26.5 years with the sheriff’s department.

By J.O. Parker
 
         The Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office welcomed new deputy Matt Wray, 28, to the department following a brief swearing in ceremony at the sheriff’s office in Montezuma on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
The event was attended by a number of friends and family members, county law enforcement officers and county officials.
           Wray comes from a long-line of family law enforcement officers in Poweshiek County.
     Wray’s dad, Chris Wray, currently serves as a police sergeant with the Grinnell Police Department, a position he has held for 23 years. He previously spent 14 years with the Montezuma Police Department. He currently supervises the night shift at GPD.
            Also present was Larry Wray, Matt’s grandfather and Chris’ father, who spent 32 plus years in law enforcement.
           “I started out when our office was in the basement of the Poweshiek County Courthouse,” said Larry. “When I started, the sheriff’s department had three deputies, including Max Allen who was the sheriff.”
            Larry said he was hired as an extra deputy and his number was 79-4.
            “Mike Shutts and I were hired at the same time on May 5, 1974,” he said.
            Larry served with the Grinnell Police Department for six years before joining the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office. He spent 26.5 years with the sheriff’s department.
            Larry said he was involved in the investigation of the Grinnell State Bank robbery and double murder in 1979.
            Larry’s favorite part of his job was investigating crimes.
            “I’m extremely proud of my son and grandson,” said Larry.
            When asked to share his thoughts about his son, Matt, following in his and Larry’s footsteps, Chris said, “I couldn’t be more proud of him. We have three generations of Wray family members serving the public in law enforcement.”
        When asked about his time in law enforcement, Chris said he enjoys trying to make a difference in people’s lives.
            “And protecting the community I serve,” said Chris.
            Matt has served as a reserve deputy and dispatch/jailer since 2017. He will attend the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in May and will graduate in early September.
            Matt decided to apply for the position with the departure of chief deputy Joel Vanderleest and Sheriff Tom Kriegel, who both retire on Dec. 31.
            “I want to help people the same that my dad and grandpa have done,” said Matt.
Retirement celebration
            A retirement celebration for both Deputy Vanderleest, who served the public for 30 years, and Sheriff Kriegel, who spent 42.5 years in law enforcement, is slated for Monday, Dec. 30 from 2 – 5 p.m. in the boardroom in the Poweshiek County Courthouse in Montezuma.

         Poweshiek County Sheriff Tom Kriegel shakes hands and congratulates new Poweshiek County Deputy Matt Wray following a brief swearing in ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at the sheriff’s office in Montezuma. Wray, who most recently served as a dispatch/Jailer and reserve deputy, is following in the footsteps of his dad, Chris Wray, and grandfather, Larry Wray, both of who served or are serving in law enforcement. 

​        Newly sworn in Poweshiek County Sheriff Deputy, Matt Wray, signs paperwork following being sworn in on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Matt follows in the footsteps of his dad, Chris Wray, and grandfather, Larry Wray, both of who served or are serving in law enforcement in Poweshiek County.