Art of Law Enforcement
Deputy incorporates hobby, work

By Leslie Wood
Staff Writer

Local artist and McKinley County deputy sheriff Everett Howe sits in uniform with print of the Code Talker painting he created. (Photo by John A. Bowersmith/Independent)

GALLUP — 2004 Totah Festival poster artist and sheriff's deputy Everett Howe said his artistic talent compliments his law enforcement career well.

Howe, who served 16 years in San Juan County and is presently a McKinley County Sheriff's deputy, said his ability transfers into his day-to-day role as a patrolman.

"It helps me to accurately draw diagrams of accident and crime scenes," Howe said.

Howe's art work, which depicts local Code Talkers, was featured on the 2004 Totah Festival poster. The annual Shiprock festival attracts artists from the Four Corners area and highlights the Native American culture.

Howe gained his inspiration for the poster from photos he'd taken of Code Talkers who received the Congressional Silver Medal award for their service to the country. The poster also features David Tsosie who was originally denied the medal until his colleagues were able to prove his service three months later. The poster depicts Tsosie's expression after being denied the medal and his expression, months later, when he was honored as a code talker.

Howe said he began drawing cartoons at the age of 7 and his talent progressed with his first art class at the former Shiprock boarding school.

He said he also learned various art techniques while in Japan. He routinely drew portraits of other Marines and learned new shading techniques from the locals.

Currently, Howe is designing a new patch for sheriff's deputies to wear on their uniforms.

"It's all still going through the approval process," Howe said. "I'm just trying to update the public image of the McKinley County Sheriff's department by using my artistic ability."

He is also in the process of drawing another poster about the 9/11 terrorist attacks. While not drawing, Howe speaks at local high schools and encourages students to make good choices.

"I don't have all the answers," Howe said. "But I try my best to help them ... I just really support community involvement."