Sheriff seeks candidacy for third term

To the Editor,

I am excited to announce that on Friday, January 22, 2016, I filed to be a candidate for a third term as Lenawee County Sheriff.

On December 5, 2008 I took office as the Sheriff of Lenawee County. On January 1, 2013, I took office for a second term as Sheriff after being unopposed in the 2012 general election. It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Lenawee County.

Before being elected in 2008, I had served at the Sheriff’s Office for more than thirty-three years. I had worked my way through the ranks obtaining positions that included patrolling our county roads, working in central dispatch and the jail. I commanded every division in the Sheriff’s Office. I also have several years of experience in emergency management, achieving and being designated a Professional Emergency Manager. My experience has certainly helped us manage the many challenges the Sheriff’s Office has faced since 2008.

My goal for a third term is to continue to build upon the successes and achievements we have obtained, despite continuing budget limitations. I want the Sheriff’s Office to continue to be highly proactive in the fight against our local heroin epidemic. I have added a second Deputy to the RHINO drug enforcement unit and continue to work towards solutions as a member of the Lenawee Substance Abuse and Prevention Coalition. Just this month I have ordered the distribution of the opiate reversal drug Naloxone. Naloxone will be on board in all of our front line patrol units so each Deputy can potentially save the life of someone they encounter who has overdosed on heroin.

I will be diligent to continue the new policies and training that have resulted in a drastic reduction in lawsuits against Lenawee County and the Sheriff’s Office since I took office in 2008.

Maintaining close working relationships with other law enforcement agencies, fire departments, EMS and our county emergency management office will continue to be of the highest importance. Working together on issues such as criminal investigations, the operation of central dispatch, disaster response, and mutual aid will result in a “win-win” situation for the taxpayers in every jurisdiction.

Lastly, I want to continue to be innovative in seeking ways to raise revenue for our operation. As budgets continue to remain flat, programs such as housing MDOC inmates, installing LiveScan for applicant fingerprinting, and reimbursement for patrols at MIS large events like NASCAR races, Faster Horses Festival, and Tough Mudder have created revenue to supplement our county budget.

I am convinced that Lenawee County needs a strong, experienced leader as Sheriff to keep the citizens of Lenawee County safe. I will continue the fight to make public safety the highest of priorities in county government. That being said, I am announcing my candidacy for third term as the Sheriff of Lenawee County.

Jack Welsh

Lenawee County Sheriff