My Commitment to Serving as Sheriff of Hancock County: Upholding Constitutional Duties and Commitment to Rehabilitation

 My dedication to serving as Sheriff of Hancock County, Indiana, is driven by a deep respect for the constitutional responsibilities of the office, particularly the duty to maintain the county jail, and a heartfelt commitment to rehabilitation over mere punishment. My values of faith, integrity, service, and compassion, combined with my extensive experience in public safety and community leadership, shape my vision for a Sheriff’s Office that protects, restores, and uplifts our community.

Constitutional Responsibility: Maintaining the Jail

 The Indiana Constitution (Article 6, Section 2) and state law entrust the Sheriff with the care and custody of the county jail, a responsibility I view as both a legal mandate and a moral obligation. As Sheriff, I would ensure the Hancock County Jail operates with professionalism, safety, and humanity, aligning with the Sheriff’s Office mission to serve with “loyalty, professionalism, and integrity.” My approach includes:

• Ensuring Safety and Security: Drawing on my experience as a Detective with the Indianapolis Police Department and a Security Police Specialist in the U.S. Air Force, I would implement rigorous protocols to protect inmates, staff, and the public. This includes regular facility inspections, staff training, and adherence to state and federal standards to prevent incidents and maintain order.

• Upholding Constitutional Rights: Every individual in custody deserves fair treatment under the law. I would ensure inmates’ rights to due process, medical care, and humane conditions are respected, fostering a jail environment that reflects the principles of justice and dignity.

• Efficient Management: My skills in program management, honed as Chairman of A Better Life - Brianna’s Hope, would guide my oversight of jail operations. I would manage resources effectively, from budgeting to staffing, to maintain a facility that serves the county’s needs while remaining fiscally responsible.

Commitment to Rehabilitation

 At the county level, the jail’s purpose extends beyond punishment to include rehabilitation, preparing individuals to reintegrate as productive members of society. My leadership in addiction recovery and community engagement uniquely positions me to advance this mission. My approach to rehabilitation includes:

• Addressing Addiction and Mental Health: As Chairman of A Better Life - Brianna’s Hope for 18 months, following a year as Executive Director, I’ve led efforts to support addiction recovery across Indiana. My awards, including The Best of Hancock County Volunteer/Community Supporter (2021, 2022) and the Bert Curry Healthy Community Award (2022), reflect my impact. In the jail, I would introduce evidence-based programs like substance abuse counseling, peer support groups, and mental health services, partnering with local organizations to reduce recidivism and promote recovery.

• Education and Skill-Building: Rehabilitation requires equipping inmates with tools for a better future. I would expand access to educational programs, such as GED courses, and vocational training tailored to local job markets, empowering inmates to break cycles of crime and contribute to Hancock County.

• Community Reintegration: My vision includes preparing inmates for successful reentry through job placement assistance, housing support, and connections to community resources. By fostering partnerships with nonprofits and faith-based groups, I would create a support network that extends beyond the jail walls, reflecting my belief in second chances and redemption.

• Compassionate Approach: My faith, rooted in biblical principles like John 13:14-15, calls me to serve with compassion. I’ve seen the transformative power of hope through my recovery work and my Never Ending Faith podcast. As Sheriff, I would ensure jail programs are delivered with empathy, recognizing each inmate’s potential for change.

Why I’m Committed

 My commitment to these responsibilities stems from a lifetime of service to Hancock County and Indiana. My public safety expertise ensures I can maintain a secure and constitutional jail, while my leadership in addiction recovery and community trust-building—evidenced by my awards and volunteerism—drives my focus on rehabilitation. I believe the Sheriff’s Office should be a beacon of hope, not just a place of confinement, and my values align with this vision.

 As Sheriff, I will lead with integrity, manage the jail with professionalism, and prioritize rehabilitation to strengthen our community. My experience, from law enforcement to recovery advocacy, prepares me to serve Hancock County with dedication, ensuring a safer, more compassionate future for all.

It’s Time for a New Kind of Sheriff in Hancock County