Saying goodbye to Sheriff Balmer and hello to Sheriff Halferty

With Jasper County Sheriff Mike Balmer set to retire on Monday, a reception in his honor will be from 1 to 4 p.m. today at the Jasper County Community Center before sheriff-elect John Halferty will be sworn in Wednesday.

Here’s a look at what Balmer has accomplished in his 38 years with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and what Halferty brings to the table for the new year.

Mike Balmer

• 60 years old

• 1970: Graduated from Newton Senior High School

• 1974: Became sheriff reserve deputy of Jasper County

• 1999: Became sheriff of Jasper County

• 2003: Became elected-sheriff of Jasper County

• 1988: Married to his wife, Kim

• 2012: Retiring after 38 years in the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office

• Served as legislative committee for the Iowa State Sheriffs & Deputies Association

• Chairman of Gold Star Publications

• Has a son and a daughters and two step-daughters

• Has three granddaughters

John Halferty

• 46 years old

• 1984: Graduated from Newton Senior High School

• 1986: Graduated from DMACC with an associate degree in criminal justice

• 1987: Became an officer at the Newton Police Department

• 1988: Married wife, Kendra

• 1995: Became DARE instructor

• 1997: Became an Officer of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department

• 1999: Became member of the Jasper County Tactical Team

• 2000-present: Volunteer firefighter for the City of Mingo

• 2007-present: High school assistant football coach for Colfax-Mingo

• Has one daughter Kalyn, 22, and one son Jacob, 18

• Member of the First Baptist Church in Colfax