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Endorsements & Community Support

Shawn Haken
Jackson County Sheriff, 34 Years of Law Enforcement Service

Over the past several weeks, I have received numerous phone calls and have had many people approach me in public asking who I support for Sheriff and what I think about the candidates. I have been reluctant to publicly weigh in because I respect both candidates and wanted to keep my personal political views separate from my responsibilities as Sheriff. However, after being asked repeatedly, I believe it is appropriate to make my position clear. I am making this statement as an individual and as a private citizen. This is my personal endorsement and does not represent an endorsement by the Sheriff's Office, its employees, or the county. After more than three decades in law enforcement and having had the opportunity to work with both candidates, I have given this decision a great deal of thought. This election is about who is best prepared to lead the Sheriff's Office into the future.  It is based on what I believe our Sheriff's Office and our community need from the person who will lead it in an ever-changing world. The Sheriff has to make difficult decisions. The position requires experience, sound judgement, common sense, leadership, courage, a willingness to stand firm when circumstances demand it, and the ability to never lose sight of the fundamental responsibility to protect the people we serve.  Based on those reasons, I believe Adam Koch is the person best prepared to take on that responsibility. I respect everyone's right to make their own decision in this election. For those that have been asking for my thoughts, these are mine. I am proud to endorse Adam Koch for Jackson County Sheriff.  

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Roger Hawkinson
Retired Jackson County Sheriff, 33 Years of Law Enforcement Service

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Matt DeWall
Retired Jackson County Deputy, 23 Years of Law Enforcement Service


Tim Cain
Retired Jackson County Sheriff Patrol Sergeant, 33 Years of Law Enforcement Service

 

Don Hedrick
Rapid City Police Department Chief of Police, 23 Years of Law Enforcement Service
    “Adam Koch is a dedicated public servant and a man of high integrity who prioritizes family and community safety above all else. Knowing him for many years and having an opportunity to work wtih him, I have seen his leadership first hand. I am confident he possesses the vision and expertise necessary to lead Jackson County as the next Sheriff; I endorse him.”

 

Steve Van Hal
Retired Jackson County Sergeant, 34 Years of Law Enforcement Service


Nate Jacobsen

Retired MN State Trooper, 32 Years of Law Enforcement Service

 

Craig Nafziger
Retired Jackson County Deputy, 30+ Years of Law Enforcement Service


Josh Hanson
Rochester Police Department Sergeant, 21 Years of Law Enforcement Service

 

Brian Pitts
Rapid City Police Department Lieutenant, 15+ Years of Law Enforcement Service
“I have been a sworn law enforcement officer for 15+ years and have worked side by side with Adam in Rapid City, SD. He would be a great leader for Jackson County and your community will grow under his leadership.”

 

Dan Mertz
Federal Law Enforcement Officer, 17 Years of Law Enforcement Service

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Gary Reif
Former Jackson County Jail Administrator & Current Jackson County Emergency Management Director, 27 Years of Service

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Dennis Waldron 

Retired Heron Lake Chief of Police, 35 years of Law Enforcement Service

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Bob Munkel
Retired Nobles County Deputy, 40 Years of Law Enforcement Service

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Mike Gruhlke

Retired MN DNR Conservation Officer for Jackson District, 28 Years of Law Enforcement Service

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