(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted to the Patriot by Sherburne County. It is written in first-person context by Sheriff Joel Brott.)

 After careful consideration, I have decided that I will not seek a fifth term as Sherburne County Sheriff. At the conclusion of my term, I will have had the unique privilege of proudly serving  Sherburne County as your Sheriff for 18 years. Throughout my tenure, the people of Sherburne County have been incredibly supportive, and I greatly appreciate the many friendships that  have developed over the years. I am grateful for the opportunity the citizens of Sherburne  County have afforded me. It has been a privilege and honor I will never forget. 

Today, the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office is in a great place, even with the challenges that all public safety professionals face each day. The office is filled with highly qualified individuals who are focused on a culture of service. It is the collective strength of over 325 employees, whose exceptional performance, teamwork, and dedication have pulled us through many challenging situations and led to our many successes. I could not be prouder to have served alongside each of the current and former employees. They remain committed to service with  integrity and pride  — an embodiment of our mission statement. “They remain second to none.” 

The collaborative nature among the five law enforcement agencies within the county is unsurpassed and is also a source of pride. I will miss the relationships with the chiefs of police and all the women and men who serve in those departments. Sherburne County remains a safe place for many reasons, among them is the high quality of law enforcement throughout the county. 

I am proud of the accomplishments we have made; however, in an ever-changing world, there is always work to do. I am encouraging Commander Ben Zawacki to continue the momentum and to run for election to be the next Sheriff of Sherburne County. He is a 20-year veteran of the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office and has been in law enforcement for over 25 years. He has the experience and knows the responsibilities necessary to continue leading the Sheriff’s Office in the right direction. Ben has a tremendous reputation among the law enforcement community and is a forward-thinking leader dedicated to serving the residents of the county. We would be fortunate to have him as our next sheriff. 

I look forward to completing my term through 2026. It has been my honor and privilege to serve you. Thank you! — Sheriff Joel Brott.