Welcome to the web home of the Committee To Elect Bradley D. Balk Sheriff.

Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Brad Balk and I am asking for your support to become Sheriff of St. Joseph County. I hope you will take the time to read through the information provided on this site. It will be updated with information that may help you make an informed decision when you cast your vote in the General Election on November 4th, 2008.

I would like to start with an explanation of why I want to be your Sheriff. I have spent my entire life in and around law enforcement. My father, Neubert Balk, served as Sheriff of St. Joseph County for several years. I mention this not as an attempt to ride into office on his achievements, rather as a demonstration of how deeply law enforcement is ingrained in me.

I was raised in this law enforcement environment and have spent most of my adult life involved as well. I have invested in formal education to best prepare myself for this career in law enforcement and the office of Sheriff. I have also spent the last 17 years working as a Deputy for the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department. During this time I have gained a wealth of knowledge - both in the office and on the street - which gives me a very balanced perspective.

I believe that this combination of education and practical experience makes me the best candidate for the post. It is critical that the next Sheriff be in touch with issues that are facing this community. As a result of my 17 years of experience on the road in St. Joseph County as a Deputy, I have a deep understanding of both the good people living in our county and the crimes being committed against them.

I believe the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department is in need of a fresh perspective. This belief is printed throughout the law enforcement community, as witnessed by the many endorsements I have received from the police unions and associations within St. Joseph County. If I am elected Sheriff of St. Joseph County, I would work for you towards the following goals:

  • Transforming the St. Joseph County Sheriffs Department from one that is reactive to crime to one that is proactive towards safety.
  • Reducing crime despite dwindling revenues.
  • Reallocating Department resources to implement a community policing strategy that would allow for officers to get to know the citizens they serve, while seeking out those individuals who prey on our society.
  • Focusing on building better relationships with the citizens and court systems, along with other local, state and federal agencies.
  • Providing improved services to the citizens of this county while being responsible in our utilization and care of the resources entrusted to us.
  • Treating the men and women employed by the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department like the professionals they are.
  • Most important, treating all individuals fairly, with both dignity and respect.
I am very excited for the future of St. Joseph County, and I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead. I hope that you'll provide me the opportunity to serve as your Sheriff by voting for me in the General Election in November of 2008. Thank you for taking the time to visit this site. I would also like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the scores of volunteers who have assisted in my campaign, and to encourage anyone who would like to be involved to contact us.

- Brad Balk



 
 
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