Committed to Justice, Rooted in Heritage
Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Leadership
Welcome to the leadership page of the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, where we proudly introduce the dedicated individuals who drive our mission to serve and protect the Oglala Nation community.
Our team embodies a wealth of experience, unwavering commitment, and a profound connection to the values and traditions that define our Native American heritage. Together, we stand as guardians of safety and justice, committed to upholding the highest standards of law enforcement while fostering a stronger, safer, and more resilient community.
Learn more about our leaders, their stories, and their invaluable contributions as they continue to shape the future of public safety in the Oglala Nation.
Chief Algin Young
Chief of Police
Raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Chief Algin Young is deeply rooted in the rich traditions and heritage of the Oglala Nation. In addition to his role as a law enforcement leader, Algin is a devoted father to five children and shares a 23-year-long marriage with his wife, Monica.
Chief Algin Young's journey in law enforcement began after he graduated from Crazy Horse High School high when he enlisted in the United States Marines, proudly serving until his honorable discharge in 2001. He initiated his law enforcement career with the Oglala Sioux Tribe's Department of Public Safety, subsequently joining the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Law Enforcement Services (later known as the Office of Justice Services). Covering an expansive area of over 5,400 square miles, equivalent to approximately 60 by 90 miles or about 3.1 million acres, the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation encompasses a diverse service population of over 43,000. Algin has consistently demonstrated his dedication to public safety, overseeing a team of over 60 sworn staff members responsible for serving the community.
Chief Young's impressive 23-year law enforcement career within Indian Country has seen him undertake a range of crucial roles, including Police Officer, Special Agent (Criminal Investigator), Chief of Police, Indian Highway Safety Director, Regional Agent in Charge within the Division of Drug Enforcement, and Associate Director of Field Operations. He proudly graduated from the Indian Police Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, and completed the Criminal Investigator Training Course in Glynco, Georgia. Chief Algin Young's leadership and unwavering commitment to safeguarding our community make him a respected and invaluable figure within the Oglala Sioux Tribe's Department of Public Safety.
Captain Kevin Rascher
Captain of Highway Safety
Captain Kevin Rascher, a seasoned law enforcement professional and United States Air Force veteran with Security Forces (COP) experience, brings a wealth of expertise to the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety (OSTDPS). With a career spanning 19 years, he has served in various crucial roles, including Sexual Assault/Rape Investigator at the Bennett County Sheriff’s Office and Sergeant of the Eagle Nest District on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
In 2009, Captain Rascher transitioned to OSTDPS's Highway Safety Division, where he specialized in accident investigation, crash reconstruction, and forensic mapping. His commitment to the community and dedication to public safety make him a vital asset to our department's leadership, and we are proud to have him as part of our team.
Captain Nick Campbell
Captain of Patrol
Captain Nick Campbell, a dedicated member of our team hailing from the Medicine Root District and a longstanding resident of the Pine Ridge Reservation since childhood. Nick's journey began after his high school graduation in 2001, when he joined the Marines and subsequently served two combat tours in Iraq.
In June 2008, Nick initiated his career in law enforcement with the San Juan County Sheriff's Office in Aztec, NM. A year later, he returned to Pine Ridge and joined the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety (OSTDPS) as an officer in 2009. Nick's unwavering commitment to the community led him to explore new avenues, briefly serving with the Pennington County Sheriff's Office for nearly two years before rejoining OSTDPS as a K9 handler. For the past nine years, Nick has worked closely with his K9 partner, and in 2019, he took on the esteemed role of Captain within OSTDPS. Additionally, he serves as a Taser and Firearms Instructor, playing a vital role in enhancing the professional development of our team. Nick's dedication to the safety and well-being of the Oglala Nation community continues to shape his law enforcement journey, making him an invaluable asset to our department.
John Pettigrew
Captain of CIU
John Pettigrew began his law enforcement career in 2000. He began his service as a Police officer in the Porcupine District. Completing the police academy in April 2001, he steadily climbed the ranks, assuming the role of Corporal of Police in the Manderson District for several years before advancing to the positions of Sergeant and eventually Lieutenant. In 2016, he was appointed as Captain of Police, overseeing critical aspects of law enforcement within the Oglala Nation community.
In 2020, he further expanded his leadership role by taking on the position of Captain of Investigations, a testament to his dedication and expertise in ensuring the safety and security of the Oglala Nation. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to upholding the highest standards of law enforcement, and his contributions continue to shape and strengthen our department's mission.
Sharon Rowland
Communications Supervisor
Sharon Rowland's career at the Oglala Sioux Tribe began in 2004, and she has consistently demonstrated her unwavering commitment to public safety ever since. After a decade of dedicated service, she was appointed Lead Telecommunication Officer in 2014, showcasing her exceptional skills and dedication as a dispatcher within the Department of Public Safety. With an impressive 19-year tenure, Sharon's experience and proficiency are pivotal to our department's effectiveness.
Sharon's unwavering commitment to our mission sets a high standard for our team, and we are fortunate to have her as an essential member of our leadership, working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of the Oglala Nation community.
Eula Yellow Boy
Communications Supervisor
Eula Yellow Boy's career is a testament to her unwavering dedication to public safety in the Oglala Sioux Tribe community. Joining the Kyle Police Department in September 1995 as a Communications Officer, she quickly demonstrated her commitment and excellence. In 2004, Eula played a pivotal role during the consolidation of Pine Ridge Dispatch and Kyle Dispatch, taking on the leadership mantle as the Lead Communication Officer.
Eula's remarkable leadership qualities and extensive experience led her to the role of Communications Supervisor in 2007, a position she continues to excel in. Her dedication extends beyond her current tenure, including four years as a Dispatcher from 1991 to 1995. With an impressive 32-year career at the OST Department of Public Safety, Eula Yellow Boy is an invaluable member of our leadership team.