by Cain Junkman
For one Sutherland Police Officer, being a police officer has been a career he has wanted to be in for years.
“Being a cop is something I always wanted to do,” said Police Officer Richard (Will) Roder. “I watched COPS on Friday nights and thought it would be a neat job.”
Born and raised in Remsen, Iowa, the 23 year-old spent his early education days at Gehlen Catholic Schools in Le Mars. While in high school, he completed his EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) in Le mars. After completion of high school in 2020, he went to the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, where he ran in cross country. Soon after, he transferred to Western Iowa Technical College, in Sioux City, where he earned his degree in Police Science and Technology in 2023.
Following high school, Roder joined the United States Army Guard, where he enlisted in 2021 as a Combat Medic. For the young medic, joining the military was something his family inspired him to do. “I had a lot of family members in the military,” said Roder. “I thought being an Army Medic would be cool.”
During his college years, Roder worked for several agencies as an EMT, including the Vermillion Fire Department, volunteered with the Remsen and Oyens Fire Departments, and then later worked at the Cherokee Regional Medical Center. He also worked as security at an oil refinery in Wisconsin, and then did general contractor work.

Now, at 23 years old, Roder is working his dream job as a law enforcement officer full time as a Deputy Sheriff in Cherokee County. “I’ve been at the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Since March of 2023,” said Roder. “I enjoy the large area of coverage, and there are a lot of narcotic investigations to be done.” Roder also appreciates the support he gets from his superior. “We have a very supportive Sheriff (Sheriff Derek Scott),” Roder said.
After working with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Roder was approached to work part time for the Sutherland Police Department. He was hired by the City of Sutherland in August of 2024. For Roder, sitting at home isn’t an option, which is why the part time police officer job in Sutherland seemed to fit for him. “I like to not be bored on my days off,” Roder joked, “So working is a good solution.”
Now, serving as a Police Officer with the City of Sutherland, Roder provides law enforcement coverage to the town of just over six hundred people several times per month. Roder, along with four other part-time officers and a part-time Police Chief, provide safety and security for the residents and visitors day and night.
As far as what he enjoys most about Sutherland, “They got good people,” he said.
The young officer plans to spend the foreseeable future around the Cherokee county area. He also hopes to eventually join the SERT (Special Emergency Response Team) and become a K9 handler. “SERT sounds like good training, and getting to see more situations,” he said. As far as his K9 dream, “I love dogs and I love finding drugs.”
For Roder, one of his most rewarding experiences being in law enforcement is finding users of illegal substances. “Last March, I stopped a car for speed,” Roder said. “I back tracked and found two and half pounds of meth in the road. I caught the guy after a foot pursuit.” His drive to take illegal drugs off the streets comes from his dedication to the job and hard work conducting investigations. “I like doing traffic stops and doing narcotics investigations,” he said.
His family also supports his dream job. “My parents love it. They support it, they like it,” he said. “They are proud of me for doing it. My dad likes hearing about things that happen at work.”
For someone wanting to enter law enforcement, Roder said he recommends it. “It’s a good career. There are a wide variety of opportunities to do. There’s more to it than being a traffic cop or going to calls.”