About Eli Rivera

I moved to Keene, NH in 1989 and made it my adopted home. I am a retired Keene Police Lieutenant, and after retiring, I was elected High Sheriff of Cheshire County in 2012 currently serving my fourth term, also being the first democratic Sheriff elected in Cheshire County since 1879.

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Aside from my law enforcement career, I served as a Commissioner for the New Hampshire Department of Education – Higher Education Commission, the Keene, NH School Board, and was appointed by Governor Sununu in 2017 to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion. 

During my off time, I enjoy reading, volunteering with Team Rubicon a national disaster response organization, gardening, traveling, beekeeping, and whatever else comes my way. 

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​State of the Race

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​I launched my campaign for reelection for a 5th term as High Sheriff of Cheshire County based on my commitment to serve the people of Cheshire County with integrity, compassion, and dignity. 

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I will continue to push and advocate for the equal treatment of every person, regardless of where they are in life's journey.  I will continue my work towards criminal justice reform, equality for all, immigration, the safety of our community, with integrity and compassion, as I have done for many years. I will also focus on our sense of purpose, belonging, and reviving the passion for public service. 

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As I launch my reelection campaign, it goes without saying how difficult 2020 has been.  COVID-19, protests, riots, wildfires, social distancing, the wearing of masks, our lives have been turned upside down.  We are at a turning point, whether it's addressing systemic racism in law enforcement, the push for the wearing body cameras, and creating police oversight commissions, the way we police will change, and I am ready for this new chapter.  I've enjoyed and loved my career and all the good things that have happened during it.  But, I am not blind to the current climate towards police, as Sheriff, I will continue to make sure that policies that mandate a Duty to Intervene, does not tolerate biases or racism are enforced, and those who do not follow my vision within my office are held accountable.

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I will continue to run a positive campaign and protect the integrity of the Office of the High Sheriff, and not engage in attacks, smear campaigns, or political negativeness, but instead will run on the work I have done and will continue to do, and my accomplishments over the past 7 plus years.

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I ask for your support on November 3, 2020.  

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Thank you

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Immigrations

KEENE, NH: It is without dispute that the enforcement of immigration laws is the responsibility of the federal government and that the Cheshire County Sheriff’s Office does not have the authority or jurisdiction to enforce them. Law enforcement agencies throughout the country are reviewing current practices and deciding whether they will enter or not enter into agreements with the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) to enforce or not enforce immigration laws. After taking some time to reflect on this current issue, as Sheriff, I’ve decided that the Cheshire County Sheriff’s Office will not seek to enter into an agreement with the United States Im

Forever a friend

On March 9, 2017 a good friend and community leader passed away. Keene Police Chief Brian Costa was passionate about his work and the community he loved and served. Our friendship extends for over 20 years. This past summer we were honored to have been invited to the White House to speak about the opiate crisis the nation was facing and how it had affected the State of New Hampshire. Chief Costa was so humbled and honored to have been invited to the White House to represent the community he loved. I will always remember all the moments we spent together on and off-duty. Rest in peace my friend we have the watch now.

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