Letter to the Editor: Shutts is the perfect candidate

I am writing this letter in support of electing Lt. Brad Shutts as Sheriff of Jasper County.

I am retired from the Newton Police department with 32 years of service. I served as treasurer for Mike Balmer’s campaign when he ran and was elected Sheriff. I also served as Co-Campaign Manager for John Halferty when he ran and was elected Sheriff.

Before I retired from Newton Police, I worked with Lt. Shutts in his capacity as a Deputy Sheriff. Brad was professional, empathetic, and an excellent officer to work with.

The Jasper County Sheriff currently heads a department that has an authorized strength of 18 deputies plus the Sheriff. Thirteen dispatchers, who handle 911 calls for all police, fire, and ambulance services in Jasper County. Twenty-four Jail Staff maintaining the jail, which houses up to 96 inmates. 6 civil office employees, handling gun permits, sheriff sales, sex offender registry, civil process services, etc. Plus two transport officers, seven reserve deputies, six ALS (Advanced Life Support) paramedics, and one volunteer chaplain. When all positions are filled, there are 78 employed at the Sheriff’s Office, with an operating budget of $7.8 million dollars.

Twenty-eight years of law enforcement experience, compassion, unmatched integrity, along with mentoring from Sheriffs Balmer and Halferty make Lt. Brad Shutts the perfect candidate for the position of Jasper County Sheriff.

Please Vote June 4th!

Gary Dodds (Retired Newton Police)

Newton