Why vote for Sheriff Brandon Thyen, Retired Chief Deputy & Captain Bob Shoemaker

TO THE EDITOR

When I retired in May, after 27 years with the Chisago County Sheriff 's Office, I moved to Fargo, North Dakota to be closer to family. I still, however, have an interest in maintaining the high standards and professionalism of the Sheriff's Office, and for that reason I am writing this letter supporting Brandon Thyen for Sheriff.

I first met Brandon in 1997 when he was a patrolman for the Rush City Police Department and I was a Deputy with the Chisago County Sheriff's Office. It was evident then that Brandon was an intelligent officer who was able to achieve that balance of empathy, compassion and assertiveness that makes a peace officer a great asset to a community. I have worked alongside him at the Sheriff's Office since he joined in 1999. I was Chief Deputy for Sheriff Todd Rivard in 2003 when
Brandon was selected to supervise the Rush City Contract, and I was on the the team that promoted him to Captain and Jail Administrator; as his boss, I was able to observe his leadership and organization skills in action. From 2012 to 2016 I worked alongside him, with both of us being Captains of different departments within the Sheriff 's Office. In 2016 he was selected as Chief Deputy and he became my boss.

Having worked with Brandon at so many levels, I know that he is the person for this job. Not only do I know Brandon as a peace officer and Chief Deputy, but also as a family man, a hockeycoach and player, an athlete, and a friend. I know he cares deeply about the community and the Sheriff's Office, and I know he will do what he can to make them both better. I urge you to vote Brandon Thyen for Sheriff.

Bob Shoemaker
Fargo, North Dakota