I’m running to be the next Cook County Sheriff…

For the past 23 years I have called Grand Marais home. There is so much to love about living here – hiking, skiing and being outside surrounded by the beauty of our area. My family and I have built a life here that we love, and it’s been an honor to raise my two kids, Andrew and Ella, here with my wife Sarah, who grew up in Grand Marais. One of the things we love most about where we live is the people who also call this place home. And it’s been a privilege to serve this community for the past 21 years with the Sheriff’s Office.

In 2004, I started my career in law enforcement as a dispatcher/jailer. That work gave me purpose, and I had found my calling. I received my law enforcement degree to be able to work as a Deputy, employed in that role for 10 years. I later moved into the role as jail administrator, dispatch supervisor, and now as the Chief Deputy under our current Sheriff. In over two decades of service, one fact is for sure: it takes years of hard work to understand how each part of our office works together.

And now, after 21 years of working and learning about the intricacies of the job, I’m proud to announce that I am running to be the next Cook County Sheriff.

Being Sheriff isn’t about the title. It’s about serving the members of this community, and serving people has always been what is most important to me.

What many people may not know, is that my other college degree was in elementary education. That early background came full circle in my career when I was the DARE officer for our local schools. In that role, I got to work directly with students and their families. That experience was incredibly rewarding and taught me the importance of being an ally and trusted adult in the lives of our youth. It also showed me how important it is for law enforcement to take leading and visible roles within our community and be trusted by the people we serve.

The role of Sheriff requires a measured approach and a steady hand. It also requires tried and true leadership and an ability to take on a large amount of responsibility. In my current role as Chief Deputy, I am deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of the office, working closely with all staff members, and helping to make critical decisions that keep our office running smoothly. I have longstanding relationships with Sheriff’s offices and officials in the NE region, where I have a visible role in attending meetings and make collaborative decisions with those partners.

What we need in our next Sheriff is someone who understands where we’re been and where we’re going. We need experienced leadership that is prepared to take on the challenges that matter most to our community.

But this role isn’t just about me, it’s about you, and I want to hear from you. Soon, there will be opportunities for us to connect and have honest conversations about what matters most to you, and I look forward to that.  

I hope that my experience and commitment to be the next Cook County Sheriff speaks for itself, and I would be honored to get your vote.

Ben

Photo credit: Laura Muus