My name is Norman "Andy" Ball, and I proudly carry on the legacy as the third Norman Ball in my family. For generations, my family has called Barry County home. The Ball family has lived in Barry County since the late 1800s. My grandmother, Maudie Ball maiden name was Tucker, and the Tucker family has been calling Barry County home before that. Many locals might remember the delicious pies made by my grandmother at the Roaring River State Park Restaurant. My grandfather, Norman Finas Ball, supported many in the community. My father, Norman Dwayne Ball attended school in Cassville and later joined the Army, where he served as a Military Police officer, igniting a lifelong passion for law enforcement.
After my father’s military service, he moved to Kansas City, Missouri, to pursue college. He joined the Kansas City, MO police department and met my mother through a mutual friend. Later, he became a State Trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety. In 1984, my family, which included my parents, two daughters, and I moved back to Eagle Rock to care for my ailing grandparents.
It is known that God will put the right person in your life at the right time. I was heading down the wrong path in life during my teenage years and then I met my wife, Marcey (Lawrence) Ball, in 1990. We both attended Cassville schools. We tied the knot in June 1991 and quickly started our family, prompting me to enter the workforce. Building homes has long been a family tradition, so I teamed up with my father to establish Ball Enterprises, focusing on affordable housing. Unfortunately, my father’s health prevented him from leaving his job at Walmart to fully join our venture. I took on various projects, including constructing new homes, framing for a builder in Bella Vista, and remodeling older properties.
By 2000, at 27 years old with two children, my wife and I were both self-employed without benefits. With a young family, I realized we needed health insurance to safeguard against unexpected health issues. My wife working from home allowed her to stay with the children and still be working. Although I enjoyed my work, I felt a calling for something more meaningful. After much prayer and family discussion, I decided to pursue my childhood dream of becoming a police officer, just like my father.
In 2001, I started winding down my business while working weekends at Walmart Warehouse 6094 in Bentonville. I initially considered staying in Missouri to become a police officer but discovered that applicants had to fund their own training at the academy. I would have to work to find a way to support my family while attending the police academy. However, my sister had moved to Springdale, Arkansas, to attend the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. I started reaching out to police departments in Arkansas. I learned just across the border in Arkansas they would hire recruits and send them to the academy, offering a salary that exceeded what I could earn back home.
In July 2001, I was hired by the Springdale Police Department and soon began my training at the academy. Working in Springdale proved to be an invaluable experience. Springdale was a busy department. Several times when you arrived for work calls for service were already holding. The same happened at the end of your shift. There was not a lot of down time. Early in my career, I discovered a knack for drug interdiction, a skill I attribute to my upbringing in Barry County, where I witnessed firsthand the ease of accessing drugs. Fortunately, I was able to redirect my life for the better after meeting my wife, who inspired my passion for law enforcement.
I learned that the best way to find drugs is through traffic stops, as they often transport drugs from one location to another via vehicle. I conducted thousands of stops, and while some senior officers advised me to slow down to avoid making them look bad, I believed in the importance of my work ethic. I still hold that belief. During this time, Arkansas experienced a surge in methamphetamine cases, and I successfully built numerous cases due to the state's strict regulations on precursor chemicals. Traffic enforcement became a critical focus of my work, allowing me to make a significant impact in the fight against drugs.
Traffic collisions became another passion of mine, as I found it fascinating to analyze how vehicles and their occupants interacted during accidents. The Assistant Chief of Springdale took me under his wing and provided invaluable training. He was well-respected and recognized as one of the best Accident Reconstructionist in Arkansas. In 2004, I embarked on an intensive training program, and by 2005, I had officially become an Accident Reconstructionist. For several years, I was the sole expert in Springdale for some time, which allowed me to apply my skills in numerous cases.
I had the opportunity to testify as an expert witness in Washington County courts and received specialized training in areas such as Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Collision Investigation, pedestrian and bicycle incidents, human factors in traffic crash reconstruction, and commercial vehicle collisions. Additionally, I was fortunate to teach accident investigation courses at the police academy.
The Springdale Police Department also sent me for training to become a Field Training Officer (FTO). This role allowed me to guide and mentor new officers fresh out of the academy, helping them transition into real-world policing. While the academy provided a solid foundation, it was the FTO role that taught them the nuances of being an effective officer. I took pride in molding new recruits and ensuring their understanding of laws and officer safety.
Later, I transitioned from patrol to traffic enforcement, where my primary focus was enforcing traffic laws and investigating accidents. This position allowed me to work in areas with high accident rates, aiming to reduce incidents and, consequently, injuries. I was still able to conduct traffic stops looking for drugs.
In 2009, my life took an unimaginable turn when my wife and I lost our 14-year-old son to suicide. My son, Norman Tyler Ball, my namesake, was gone, and there was no way to prepare for such a devastating loss. It shattered me in ways I cannot articulate. Throughout my life, I had always been the one to fix things—whether it was getting a car to start or building something from scratch. In my career as a police officer, I had always focused on solving problems and helping people. But how could I fix this? My family was devastated, and my son was no longer with us.
I took a brief leave of absence but soon returned to work. Everywhere I looked, I was reminded of my son. His absence was a constant presence in my life, and it began to breed bitterness within me. At the same time, I was becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the direction the Springdale Police Department was heading. It’s often said that we don’t leave a job; we leave a manager, and in 2010, I felt that was the case. The Springdale Police Department was undergoing significant changes, and Bentonville Police expressed interest in integrating some of their units, including the explosive technicians. Some of the officers I knew began discussing the possibility of joining Bentonville Police, which was closer to home. This conversation reignited my interest in pursuing a change, and I started to consider the opportunity seriously.
In October 2010, I made a significant career change, moving from Springdale, a city with a population of around 71,000, to Bentonville, which had about 35,000 residents. This transition was quite a shock for me. Instead of rushing from call to call, I found myself with more opportunities for self-initiated activities. This shift allowed me to focus on refining my skills in criminal interdiction, particularly regarding the transportation of narcotics. I had the chance to collaborate closely with the narcotics detectives, where I would perform traffic stops, turn individuals into informants, conduct narcotics purchases, and subsequently execute search warrants on residences.
The department fully supported my efforts in this area, and there were days when I would stay awake for over 24 hours to complete vital tasks. I spent countless hours assisting narcotics officers with purchases involving informants and executing search warrants while still fulfilling my patrol duties. I also received specialized training in dismantling clandestine methamphetamine labs, which empowered me to take down meth operations throughout Benton County. Additionally, I was trained in Meth Lab Waste and Packaging, enabling me to neutralize hazardous waste associated with meth labs and prepare it for collection by a hazardous waste company. I was also sent to Narcotics Officer Certification Program. This was five weeks of intense training that teaches officers how to complete a narcotics investigation to have a successful prosecution.
Recognizing my skills as an accident reconstructionist, the Bentonville Police Department transitioned me into their Accident Reduction Unit. For anyone familiar with driving in Bentonville, they would understand the challenges involved. I participated in numerous meetings with various representatives across the city, although I only had the opportunity to serve in this unit for a year.
From the beginning of my career, I had a keen interest in canine units; the idea of training dogs was incredibly appealing to me. In 2013, I was fortunate enough to become a canine handler for the Bentonville Police Department. This role has been, and will always be, the best job I've ever had. My canine partner, Tyson, was a dual-purpose dog trained in locating illegal drugs and handling patrol duties, which included suspect apprehension, handler protection, and tracking.
My daily responsibility became coming to work and seeking out drugs, while Tyson was there to assist other officers as needed. I was also granted a county commission from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, allowing us to operate throughout the county. Together, Tyson and I made numerous arrests for drug offenses and recovered stolen property, including vehicles. Tyson excelled at tracking fleeing felons and provided invaluable protection during tense situations.
Eventually, the Bentonville Police Department decided to open a dedicated canine shift to assist during earlier hours. I began working from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This type of work was different from my previous duties, and it was not as straightforward to conduct interdiction on the roadways. I had to develop new strategies for intercepting drugs off the streets, leading me to focus on hotel interdiction and parcel interdiction.
Two specific areas I focused on were hotel interdiction and parcel interdiction. Hotel interdiction targeted the sale of illegal drugs and human trafficking within local hotels. I received specialized training from the State of Arkansas and began collaborating with each hotel in Bentonville. I held meetings with hotel staff and created informative pamphlets outlining indicators of suspicious activity. This initiative proved to be highly successful, leading to the arrest of hundreds of felons and significantly improving the safety of our local hotels.
I was always on the lookout for innovative methods to curb drug trafficking, and Bentonville's FedEx Express warehouse became an area of interest. This facility processed overnight and two-day packages for the entire Northwest Arkansas region, including areas as far as Eureka Springs. I had the opportunity to spend a week with a successful drug trafficking task force from Kansas City, Missouri, where I received hands-on training. Upon my return, I was eager to apply what I had learned.
During the same time, I initiated parcel interdiction efforts, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) began focusing on similar investigations. I became one of the first officers from Bentonville to join the HSI task force, working on investigations related to drug trafficking associated with the southern border. This role allowed me to travel from Tulsa to Eureka Springs and McDonald County, delving into these serious crimes. Within this task force, I was part of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) initiative, which enabled us to disrupt and dismantle several drug trafficking organizations.
After several successful years as a canine officer, my partner, Tyson, was aging and nearing retirement. I was ready to continue this rewarding journey with a new canine partner, but I assured everyone that I would never part with Tyson, who would remain with my family to enjoy the rest of his days.
The Bentonville Police Department then presented me with the opportunity to transition into a detective role. I was assigned as a general detective, focusing on property crimes, including car break-ins and cybercrimes, as well as personal crimes such as assaults and rapes. Shortly after taking on the general detective position, a narcotics detective role became available, which aligned perfectly with my strengths. This was a plainclothes assignment that allowed me to grow my hair and have facial hair—much to my wife’s chagrin!
In this capacity, I worked with informants to purchase illegal drugs as both a case agent and undercover detective, while still maintaining my involvement with the HSI task force. This new position continued the vital work I had begun in Bentonville. Over the years, thanks to the excellent partnerships I fostered with local and federal colleagues, as well as prosecutors, I was able to seize substantial amounts of money and vehicles from drug dealers. I worked closely with the prosecuting attorney’s office to ensure my cases met their standards and were ready for court presentation.
I applied for and interviewed for a sergeant position with the Bentonville Police Department, believing that after 18 years of service, it was time for me to start passing on my knowledge and experience to the newer officers. I wanted to play a significant role in transforming the culture within the police department. Throughout my career, I have served as a Sergeant in both patrol and traffic units, and I have participated in various leadership training programs.
One of the most distinguished programs I attended was the School of Law Enforcement Supervision (SLES) offered by the Arkansas Criminal Justice Institute. This intensive five-week course covered all aspects of leadership in law enforcement and was taught by current and former leaders from across the United States. Additionally, I completed leadership training through the FBI LEEDA, progressing through three levels: the Supervisor Leadership Institute, the Command Leadership Institute, and the Executive Leadership Institute. This comprehensive training prepared me for leadership roles from the street level all the way up to Chief or Sheriff.
When I first entered law enforcement, departments operated in a militaristic manner, where the motto was often "do what you're told and don't ask questions." However, with the influx of new generations joining the force, I recognized that this style of leadership was no longer effective. At Bentonville, we have fostered a more family-oriented administration, emphasizing empathy within the department, and creating a positive culture. As a result, Bentonville typically does not experience significant officer turnover; many of our new recruits come to us with prior law enforcement experience, drawn from all over the United States to work for one of the top law enforcement agencies in the country. While other agencies have faced numerous openings, Bentonville maintains vacancies in the single digits unless authorized to hire new officers.
One of my key responsibilities is serving as the coordinator for the Field Training Program. Transitioning from being a field training officer to leading the program has been a rewarding experience. This role allows me to guide the next generation of officers as they embark on their careers in law enforcement. I have been able to set up training from the new officer to certified officers from different states. This allowed me to see the difference in laws and the procedures from across the United States. As the senior sergeant at the Bentonville Police Department, I have had the privilege of leading and mentoring hundreds of officers and supervisors.
My law enforcement career has advanced rapidly, leaving little time for reflection. I have been ready to move back home to Barry County for some time. I started reaching out to my family and the community. I was made aware that they feel they’re not receiving the service from the Barry County Sheriff’s Office that they require and expect. The Barry County Sheriff's Office has lost the trust and confidence of the community. The Sheriff's Office cannot perform at its best without the community. Police work must include the community. The only way that Barry County can be safe is if the Sheriff’s office and the community work together.
Now that I have reached a pivotal point in my career, I feel a renewed calling for greater service. My wife and I have a plan to move back home by the end of 2026 as we reach retirement. I have been listening to family and friends in my home community. After prayer and discussions with my wife, we both felt the need to serve the community where we grew up. For many years I have considered the possibility of helping the community with all the knowledge and experience I have gained over more than two decades in law enforcement. I know I am the one that can bring trust back between the Barry County Sheriff’s Office and the community. I am reaching out to see what support I would have from the community if I ran for Sheriff of Barry County in 2028.
After my father’s military service, he moved to Kansas City, Missouri, to pursue college. He joined the Kansas City, MO police department and met my mother through a mutual friend. Later, he became a State Trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety. In 1984, my family, which included my parents, two daughters, and I moved back to Eagle Rock to care for my ailing grandparents.
It is known that God will put the right person in your life at the right time. I was heading down the wrong path in life during my teenage years and then I met my wife, Marcey (Lawrence) Ball, in 1990. We both attended Cassville schools. We tied the knot in June 1991 and quickly started our family, prompting me to enter the workforce. Building homes has long been a family tradition, so I teamed up with my father to establish Ball Enterprises, focusing on affordable housing. Unfortunately, my father’s health prevented him from leaving his job at Walmart to fully join our venture. I took on various projects, including constructing new homes, framing for a builder in Bella Vista, and remodeling older properties.
By 2000, at 27 years old with two children, my wife and I were both self-employed without benefits. With a young family, I realized we needed health insurance to safeguard against unexpected health issues. My wife working from home allowed her to stay with the children and still be working. Although I enjoyed my work, I felt a calling for something more meaningful. After much prayer and family discussion, I decided to pursue my childhood dream of becoming a police officer, just like my father.
In 2001, I started winding down my business while working weekends at Walmart Warehouse 6094 in Bentonville. I initially considered staying in Missouri to become a police officer but discovered that applicants had to fund their own training at the academy. I would have to work to find a way to support my family while attending the police academy. However, my sister had moved to Springdale, Arkansas, to attend the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. I started reaching out to police departments in Arkansas. I learned just across the border in Arkansas they would hire recruits and send them to the academy, offering a salary that exceeded what I could earn back home.
In July 2001, I was hired by the Springdale Police Department and soon began my training at the academy. Working in Springdale proved to be an invaluable experience. Springdale was a busy department. Several times when you arrived for work calls for service were already holding. The same happened at the end of your shift. There was not a lot of down time. Early in my career, I discovered a knack for drug interdiction, a skill I attribute to my upbringing in Barry County, where I witnessed firsthand the ease of accessing drugs. Fortunately, I was able to redirect my life for the better after meeting my wife, who inspired my passion for law enforcement.
I learned that the best way to find drugs is through traffic stops, as they often transport drugs from one location to another via vehicle. I conducted thousands of stops, and while some senior officers advised me to slow down to avoid making them look bad, I believed in the importance of my work ethic. I still hold that belief. During this time, Arkansas experienced a surge in methamphetamine cases, and I successfully built numerous cases due to the state's strict regulations on precursor chemicals. Traffic enforcement became a critical focus of my work, allowing me to make a significant impact in the fight against drugs.
Traffic collisions became another passion of mine, as I found it fascinating to analyze how vehicles and their occupants interacted during accidents. The Assistant Chief of Springdale took me under his wing and provided invaluable training. He was well-respected and recognized as one of the best Accident Reconstructionist in Arkansas. In 2004, I embarked on an intensive training program, and by 2005, I had officially become an Accident Reconstructionist. For several years, I was the sole expert in Springdale for some time, which allowed me to apply my skills in numerous cases.
I had the opportunity to testify as an expert witness in Washington County courts and received specialized training in areas such as Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Collision Investigation, pedestrian and bicycle incidents, human factors in traffic crash reconstruction, and commercial vehicle collisions. Additionally, I was fortunate to teach accident investigation courses at the police academy.
The Springdale Police Department also sent me for training to become a Field Training Officer (FTO). This role allowed me to guide and mentor new officers fresh out of the academy, helping them transition into real-world policing. While the academy provided a solid foundation, it was the FTO role that taught them the nuances of being an effective officer. I took pride in molding new recruits and ensuring their understanding of laws and officer safety.
Later, I transitioned from patrol to traffic enforcement, where my primary focus was enforcing traffic laws and investigating accidents. This position allowed me to work in areas with high accident rates, aiming to reduce incidents and, consequently, injuries. I was still able to conduct traffic stops looking for drugs.
In 2009, my life took an unimaginable turn when my wife and I lost our 14-year-old son to suicide. My son, Norman Tyler Ball, my namesake, was gone, and there was no way to prepare for such a devastating loss. It shattered me in ways I cannot articulate. Throughout my life, I had always been the one to fix things—whether it was getting a car to start or building something from scratch. In my career as a police officer, I had always focused on solving problems and helping people. But how could I fix this? My family was devastated, and my son was no longer with us.
I took a brief leave of absence but soon returned to work. Everywhere I looked, I was reminded of my son. His absence was a constant presence in my life, and it began to breed bitterness within me. At the same time, I was becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the direction the Springdale Police Department was heading. It’s often said that we don’t leave a job; we leave a manager, and in 2010, I felt that was the case. The Springdale Police Department was undergoing significant changes, and Bentonville Police expressed interest in integrating some of their units, including the explosive technicians. Some of the officers I knew began discussing the possibility of joining Bentonville Police, which was closer to home. This conversation reignited my interest in pursuing a change, and I started to consider the opportunity seriously.
In October 2010, I made a significant career change, moving from Springdale, a city with a population of around 71,000, to Bentonville, which had about 35,000 residents. This transition was quite a shock for me. Instead of rushing from call to call, I found myself with more opportunities for self-initiated activities. This shift allowed me to focus on refining my skills in criminal interdiction, particularly regarding the transportation of narcotics. I had the chance to collaborate closely with the narcotics detectives, where I would perform traffic stops, turn individuals into informants, conduct narcotics purchases, and subsequently execute search warrants on residences.
The department fully supported my efforts in this area, and there were days when I would stay awake for over 24 hours to complete vital tasks. I spent countless hours assisting narcotics officers with purchases involving informants and executing search warrants while still fulfilling my patrol duties. I also received specialized training in dismantling clandestine methamphetamine labs, which empowered me to take down meth operations throughout Benton County. Additionally, I was trained in Meth Lab Waste and Packaging, enabling me to neutralize hazardous waste associated with meth labs and prepare it for collection by a hazardous waste company. I was also sent to Narcotics Officer Certification Program. This was five weeks of intense training that teaches officers how to complete a narcotics investigation to have a successful prosecution.
Recognizing my skills as an accident reconstructionist, the Bentonville Police Department transitioned me into their Accident Reduction Unit. For anyone familiar with driving in Bentonville, they would understand the challenges involved. I participated in numerous meetings with various representatives across the city, although I only had the opportunity to serve in this unit for a year.
From the beginning of my career, I had a keen interest in canine units; the idea of training dogs was incredibly appealing to me. In 2013, I was fortunate enough to become a canine handler for the Bentonville Police Department. This role has been, and will always be, the best job I've ever had. My canine partner, Tyson, was a dual-purpose dog trained in locating illegal drugs and handling patrol duties, which included suspect apprehension, handler protection, and tracking.
My daily responsibility became coming to work and seeking out drugs, while Tyson was there to assist other officers as needed. I was also granted a county commission from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, allowing us to operate throughout the county. Together, Tyson and I made numerous arrests for drug offenses and recovered stolen property, including vehicles. Tyson excelled at tracking fleeing felons and provided invaluable protection during tense situations.
Eventually, the Bentonville Police Department decided to open a dedicated canine shift to assist during earlier hours. I began working from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This type of work was different from my previous duties, and it was not as straightforward to conduct interdiction on the roadways. I had to develop new strategies for intercepting drugs off the streets, leading me to focus on hotel interdiction and parcel interdiction.
Two specific areas I focused on were hotel interdiction and parcel interdiction. Hotel interdiction targeted the sale of illegal drugs and human trafficking within local hotels. I received specialized training from the State of Arkansas and began collaborating with each hotel in Bentonville. I held meetings with hotel staff and created informative pamphlets outlining indicators of suspicious activity. This initiative proved to be highly successful, leading to the arrest of hundreds of felons and significantly improving the safety of our local hotels.
I was always on the lookout for innovative methods to curb drug trafficking, and Bentonville's FedEx Express warehouse became an area of interest. This facility processed overnight and two-day packages for the entire Northwest Arkansas region, including areas as far as Eureka Springs. I had the opportunity to spend a week with a successful drug trafficking task force from Kansas City, Missouri, where I received hands-on training. Upon my return, I was eager to apply what I had learned.
During the same time, I initiated parcel interdiction efforts, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) began focusing on similar investigations. I became one of the first officers from Bentonville to join the HSI task force, working on investigations related to drug trafficking associated with the southern border. This role allowed me to travel from Tulsa to Eureka Springs and McDonald County, delving into these serious crimes. Within this task force, I was part of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) initiative, which enabled us to disrupt and dismantle several drug trafficking organizations.
After several successful years as a canine officer, my partner, Tyson, was aging and nearing retirement. I was ready to continue this rewarding journey with a new canine partner, but I assured everyone that I would never part with Tyson, who would remain with my family to enjoy the rest of his days.
The Bentonville Police Department then presented me with the opportunity to transition into a detective role. I was assigned as a general detective, focusing on property crimes, including car break-ins and cybercrimes, as well as personal crimes such as assaults and rapes. Shortly after taking on the general detective position, a narcotics detective role became available, which aligned perfectly with my strengths. This was a plainclothes assignment that allowed me to grow my hair and have facial hair—much to my wife’s chagrin!
In this capacity, I worked with informants to purchase illegal drugs as both a case agent and undercover detective, while still maintaining my involvement with the HSI task force. This new position continued the vital work I had begun in Bentonville. Over the years, thanks to the excellent partnerships I fostered with local and federal colleagues, as well as prosecutors, I was able to seize substantial amounts of money and vehicles from drug dealers. I worked closely with the prosecuting attorney’s office to ensure my cases met their standards and were ready for court presentation.
I applied for and interviewed for a sergeant position with the Bentonville Police Department, believing that after 18 years of service, it was time for me to start passing on my knowledge and experience to the newer officers. I wanted to play a significant role in transforming the culture within the police department. Throughout my career, I have served as a Sergeant in both patrol and traffic units, and I have participated in various leadership training programs.
One of the most distinguished programs I attended was the School of Law Enforcement Supervision (SLES) offered by the Arkansas Criminal Justice Institute. This intensive five-week course covered all aspects of leadership in law enforcement and was taught by current and former leaders from across the United States. Additionally, I completed leadership training through the FBI LEEDA, progressing through three levels: the Supervisor Leadership Institute, the Command Leadership Institute, and the Executive Leadership Institute. This comprehensive training prepared me for leadership roles from the street level all the way up to Chief or Sheriff.
When I first entered law enforcement, departments operated in a militaristic manner, where the motto was often "do what you're told and don't ask questions." However, with the influx of new generations joining the force, I recognized that this style of leadership was no longer effective. At Bentonville, we have fostered a more family-oriented administration, emphasizing empathy within the department, and creating a positive culture. As a result, Bentonville typically does not experience significant officer turnover; many of our new recruits come to us with prior law enforcement experience, drawn from all over the United States to work for one of the top law enforcement agencies in the country. While other agencies have faced numerous openings, Bentonville maintains vacancies in the single digits unless authorized to hire new officers.
One of my key responsibilities is serving as the coordinator for the Field Training Program. Transitioning from being a field training officer to leading the program has been a rewarding experience. This role allows me to guide the next generation of officers as they embark on their careers in law enforcement. I have been able to set up training from the new officer to certified officers from different states. This allowed me to see the difference in laws and the procedures from across the United States. As the senior sergeant at the Bentonville Police Department, I have had the privilege of leading and mentoring hundreds of officers and supervisors.
My law enforcement career has advanced rapidly, leaving little time for reflection. I have been ready to move back home to Barry County for some time. I started reaching out to my family and the community. I was made aware that they feel they’re not receiving the service from the Barry County Sheriff’s Office that they require and expect. The Barry County Sheriff's Office has lost the trust and confidence of the community. The Sheriff's Office cannot perform at its best without the community. Police work must include the community. The only way that Barry County can be safe is if the Sheriff’s office and the community work together.
Now that I have reached a pivotal point in my career, I feel a renewed calling for greater service. My wife and I have a plan to move back home by the end of 2026 as we reach retirement. I have been listening to family and friends in my home community. After prayer and discussions with my wife, we both felt the need to serve the community where we grew up. For many years I have considered the possibility of helping the community with all the knowledge and experience I have gained over more than two decades in law enforcement. I know I am the one that can bring trust back between the Barry County Sheriff’s Office and the community. I am reaching out to see what support I would have from the community if I ran for Sheriff of Barry County in 2028.