Delegation Recommends Nominee For U.S. Marshal

Washington D.C. - Members of Idaho's Congressional Delegation announced today they will recommend Pocatello City Councilman Brian Underwood to be the next U.S. Marshal for Idaho.  Underwood works for the Idaho Department of Corrections as a warden.

"Mr. Underwood is exactly what I had hoped to find in a nominee," Congressman Walt Minnick said. "He is bright, talented, and recommended by people I know and trust from across the political spectrum.  He is committed to upholding the law and, most important, he is committed to Idaho.  It is my privilege to recommend his name to President Obama for consideration."

Earlier this year, Minnick appointed a committee to review all those who applied for the U.S. Marshal position.  The committee, which included a former U.S. Marshal and other members of the law-enforcement community, selected Underwood as one of the finalists.  Underwood was a Pocatello City police officer before going to work for the Idaho Department of Corrections in 1992.

Idaho's Congressional delegation worked together to finalize the nomination, which must be confirmed before the U.S. Senate.  Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch expect swift action.

"Mr. Underwood's experience in corrections and his service on the Pocatello City Council will serve him well as U. S. Marshal," Crapo said.
"The nominee is committed to law enforcement and has served the state well in his current capacity," Risch said. "Mr. Underwood's involvement in his community is a plus as he seeks to become our U.S. Marshal."

Congressman Mike Simpson, who represents the city of Pocatello, also supported the choice.  "The bipartisan committee that Congressman Minnick assembled did a great job in selecting Mr. Underwood for this position," Simpson said.  "He has the experience and know-how to perform well as our U.S. Marshal."

In addition to his service on the Pocatello City Council, Underwood is on the board of the Pocatello Chamber of Commerce and is active in a variety of community organizations in southeast Idaho.

"I am excited to see Brian given the opportunity to serve as United States Marshal for the State of Idaho," Pocatello Mayor Roger Chase said.  "He is one of the finest men I know and he will work hard for all Idahoans."

About Brian Underwood
Underwood was born and raised in Pocatello, to Brian C. and Lorraine Underwood.  He graduated from Pocatello High School and studied at Idaho State University before leaving school to serve a two-year, volunteer Church mission to Jamaica.

After returning home he graduated with an Associate's degree in criminal justice in 1993 and a bachelor's degree in political science in 1998.

He began working for the Pocatello Police Department as an office in 1988.  In 1992 he began working as an officer for Idaho Probation and Parole, now known as the Idaho Department of Corrections.

Over the last 17 years, Underwood rose to become manager of the Sixth Judicial District Probation/Parole Office and eventually warden for the Pocatello Women's Correctional Center, a job he has held since 2002. From that date until 2005 he held dual roles as both warden and probation/parole manager.

Underwood holds an Advanced Peace Officer Certification and in 2006 graduated from the Idaho Certified Public Manager Program.

He has been elected to the Pocatello City Council three times, beginning Jan 1, 2000, and served as the Council President from January 2006 to 2008.

He is married to Kim Underwood.  They have four children, ages 17, 15, 12 and 8.