Brad's Biography

 
1. HISTORY:
I am a life-long Centreville resident ... born and raised right here in St. Joseph County. My association with law enforcement began at an early age, with my father, Neubert Balk, beginning his career as Sheriff of St. Joseph County in the 1960's. There were many campaigns in the following years, and I remember all of them with great memories. My mother, Lathrolyn Balk continues to reside in Centreville, and is pleased that all of her family still lives around her in this great area.
 
2. FAMILY:
I have been married to my wife, Rose (VanKirk), since 1974. Together we have a son, Bryan (and his wife, Carrie) Balk, parents of our first grandson, Braydon Balk, and we also have a daughter, Erin (and her husband, Brian) Ettwein. I'm very proud of my family, and figure that anyone who can raise two good kids today is very blessed to have a solid, respectable, and nurturing family surrounding them. The wonderful Mother and Father that I had growing up gave me a sense of values that I tried to pass on to my children. My parents were right there by my side to help with the raising of my children, until my father died, leaving his legacy to all of his kids.

What a tremendous sense of affection, respect, and togetherness exists for, and among, my three siblings who all live (or lived) with their families in St. Joseph County. Diane Henkel (whose husband, Robert, died some years ago)didn't have children of their own but provided lots of love and care for all of their nieces and nephews as they grew; Brenda (and Patrick) Priest, raised two great children, Dawn (Lillywhite) Heitkamp and Mark Lillywhite, who were always great role-models for my children; and, Bill (and his wife, Christine) Balk, who raised two fine boys, Adam and Travis, who are growing up to be nice young men. The inner workings of such a family can not be underestimated in the overall development of men and women who grow from such a warm and caring relationship.
 
3. EDUCATION:
Since I grew up in the small town of Centreville, my educational background naturally begins at the Centreville schools and High School. Those were wonderful years, playing basketball, baseball, and football, and having the time of childhood that comes from youth and life. Indeed, that same character developed as a youngster on the fields growing up is what I relied on when teaching and coaching the girl's High School softball teams for the last several years, and building a new field for all of the kids. That was a wonderful experience and showed me the real value of teamwork, leadership, planning, budgeting, and hard work. Then it was off to Glen Oaks Community College, Flint-GMI (for training as "Upper Management"), and the Police Academy at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. I have taken additional coursework at Wayne State University, Macomb Community College, and Northwestern Michigan University. I suppose I was destined to become a member of the Sheriff's Department, and now I am ready to become the Sheriff.
 
4. MEMBERSHIPS/AWARDS:
I am a member of the St. Joseph County Republican Party, the St. Joseph County Fraternal Order of Police, and the P.O.A.M. (Police Officers Association of Michigan). As an Officer for the County, I had many opportunities to pursue criminals and lesser important absconders. Because of this, I received two awards from the television show, "America's Most Wanted", certifying the quality of my work. I am a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Centreville and also the M.H.S.A.A. (Michigan High School Athletic Association).
 
5. LAW ENFORCEMENT:
My years of experience and formal education are merely enhanced by the common-sense education that I received from being a part of police work. I started with security in the largest plant in St. Joseph County, and while earning a top position, often worked on budgets and had an understanding and working knowledge of their operation and function. At the same time, I was doing police patrol for various townships and villages. In the Centreville Police Department I was acting Chief twice, and I received an award for "Outstanding Service".

Eventually, I progressed to the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department ("SJCSD")where I have been for 17+ years. In those years I have been to over 500 major crime scenes, including murders and other fatalities. I am now a Major Crime Scene Investigator. During 12 of those years I was also the K-9 Officer/ Handler, a task that I especially enjoyed. I am also a Field Training Officer, and have attended service training in Accident Investigation, Forensics, and Incident Command.

The years in the SJCSD consisted of such things as tracking down the "bad guys", securing and investigating crime scenes, and working with Local, State, and Federal policing agencies. Those years were a real-life education for me. I have also investigated the job of being your Sheriff, and I know, beyond any doubt, that I am qualified and able to take on the task of being your new, top lawman. I can not only do the job required of me, but I can do more. I can change the Department in meaningful and helpful ways.

As a road patrol deputy I've had numerous opportunities to meet the people in the County and understand their needs and desires. Working as the chief Crime Scene Investigator, I had the opportunity to prepare and seek Foundation Grants from a number of potential Foundations. While these things are important to the job of Sheriff, however, the emphasis upon tasks such as these misses the point of this campaign. It's mostly about communication, and the art of listening empathetically and responding appropriately. This is a major area of change and a key to the campaign. A huge difference between the current administration, and the one that is about to take over, is communication and listening.
 
6. FINAL THOUGHTS:
I truly want to make a difference in St. Joseph County. I want our children to grow up in a safe environment and I want our parents to feel secure in their homes. Because of those desires, I am ready to fight hard to win this election. As a person who cares, I am disappointed to see the current low morale of the Department. I understand where this is coming from and I know that I can make a difference in the Department, through the position of Sheriff. I also know the positive impact that the Sheriff can have within the County, and upon the people of the County. I do not consider myself a politician. Rather, I am a person who cares about people, who is always available and will listen, who will make the tough decisions, and who can set the Department on a course of fresh, new leadership. I am and will be a "hands-on" leader; one who has the experience to know that the Sheriff needs to be visible to his Deputies and to lead by example.

I have a great deal of experience for this position and I believe the time is ripe for change. I am surrounded by highly capable people who share my beliefs, goals, and concerns about your Department and mine. I believe that it is time to change the direction of the Department, from one that is in turmoil and confusion under current leadership, to one where people can take an active part in building it up, and take pride in the results. Thank you for your vote in 2008!

Thank you,

Brad Balk

 
Paid For By The Committee To Elect Bradley D. Balk Sheriff   21116 S River Rd, Centreville, MI 49032  (269)467-6247All Content © 2007, 2008 Committee To Elect Bradley D. Balk Sheriff