Bob was raised in Morgantown by William and Karen Skaggs Downey. He graduated from Indian Creek High School. Long before he graduated from high school Bob had the desire to become a Deputy Sheriff. Bob's grandfather, the late Wm. Marvin Skaggs, served as Sheriff of Morgan County from 1951 thru 1954. During and following high school Bob worked on his grandfather Marvin's farm. Although he enjoyed farming he always knew he wanted to follow in his grandfather's footsteps and become Sheriff of Morgan County someday.
Bob was hired by Sheriff Charlie Beaver in July of 1988 as a jail/communications officer.
January of 1991 he was appointed to the position of Deputy Sheriff. He attended and successfully completed the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. He continued his education in crime scene and death investigation. He served along side Sheriff Garner as a crime scene investigator for nine years. Bob was appointed as one of the first members of the very successful Morgan County Death Investigation Team investigating homicides and suspicious deaths. The team is still in operation today and has one of the best solvability rates in the state. In December of 2002 Bob was notified by newly elected Robert Garner that he was being appointed to the position of Chief Deputy Sheriff. Bob continues to hold the position as Chief.
As your Chief Deputy Sheriff Bob has continued his education in law enforcement management. Bob is the only candidate to have attended and successfully completed two Indiana Sheriffs' Association sheriff schools, gaining knowledge on laws and liabilities Indiana Sheriffs face.
Bob resides in Green Township with his wife Jacquelyn and son Tanner.