Pedley is the Lafayette County Sheriff. His law enforcement career started in Green County as a patrol deputy in 1979. He served as the undersheriff of Lafayette County for two years and then returned to Green County and was appointed by Sheriff Steve Elmer as undersheriff for five years. He's served as Lafayette County's sheriff since February of 1990.
Pedley said the best part of his job "is seeing the successes we have enjoyed when cases are solved, especially the homicide and drug investigations we have been involved in since 2005."
He adds that the worst part of the job continues to be delivering death notifications to residents of the county.
"Death notifications are always difficult, but, they are especially difficult when teenagers and children are victims," Pedley said. "I've gotten to know so many people throughout Lafayette County and all of us in law enforcement are impacted severely when a decedent and/or their family is someone we know."
He added that as a department they emphasize to the staff that being caring and compassionate is an essential trait that they have to strenuously cling to while performing their duties.
"For the most part, I'm blessed with a great group of deputy sheriffs who are both caring and compassionate when they encounter people dealing with difficulties," Pedley said. "Of course, there are some situations that present themselves in which the use of force is the only means of resolving issues and at those times, the training provided and the attained skills of my deputies have to be used."
Pedley is a fifth-generation Lafayette County resident. His ancestors arrived in the area in 1848; they were farmers and miners. Pedley and his wife Ronda live on the family farm where they raise beef, corn, soybeans and alfalfa.
If you were allowed three wishes for Lafayette County Sheriff's Department what would they be?> That my deputies will always be safe from harm, that I will always be able to retain my compassion for the people I serve because we often times see human behavior that tends to make us cynical over time, and the third wish would be that Lafayette County's economy could flourish rather than struggle.
If you could have one superpower for a day, what would it be? > To go back in history to about 1950 and take a ride around the county to see how things used to look and to also meet former Lafayette County Sheriff Vernus Olson. In those days he was a farmer in rural Blanchardville and I wish I could have known him much longer than I did.
What is the last good book you read?> "The Five People You Meet In Heaven" by Mitch Albom. I'm reading the "Reagan Diaries," edited by Douglas Brinkley.
If you could invite three famous people, living or dead, to dinner, who would they be?> Abraham Lincoln, Harry S. Truman and Jesus Christ.
If you could travel anywhere, where would it be? > Florida, to see Joyce Mevis.
What is something you've always wanted to do, but haven't yet?> Take my family on vacation to Europe.
What actor would portray you in a movie? > Jimmy Stewart
If you could go back in time to one event in history, what would it be? > To observe and listen to the discussions during the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
What gets you relaxed?> Working on our family farm.
What gets your blood pressure rising?> Employees who take advantage of the "system" by slacking off of their work performance or receiving benefits dishonestly.
Who's your favorite actor/actress? > John Wayne
What is one burning question you're dying to know the answer to? > If there really was a conspiracy to murder President Kennedy.
What is your favorite holiday? Why? > Thanksgiving. I'm thankful for God's grace and understanding. The food is pretty good, too!
If you could be granted three wishes, what would they be?> Good health for my family, a chance to have at least one more conversation with my dad and to be wealthy enough to provide 10 educational scholarships each year to young people in Lafayette County to pay for their books and tuition.
If there was a news story written about your life, what would the headline read? > He's Just a Humble Country Sheriff!
What's your least favorite task?> Cleaning the garage.
What's your favorite chore? > Feeding our cattle.