I live just into Miami County and work in Howard. I know many KPD and HCSD guys and have talked many times about the upcoming sheriff race. I listened as they told me that Miami County has the candidate of choice that they would love to see here in Howard. So I checked out the Miami County Candidate. His web site is up and it is easy to look into his past. Wow , this dude is the guy. Go check for yourself and see what Howard county should be using as the standard. 20 year LEO, 20 year plus second or third generation business owner, FBI national Academy and much more.......tough act to follow, but maybe Howard county can find someone to run like this. And the deputies and city guys love him too....perfect match for all.

Do you have his web site link? The one in the title isnt showing up under any searches....

I have heard 6-7 names say they are interested in running for Howard County Sheriff so far. I feel on three of the names have the necessary experience and education to possibly do the job. You will see more candidates begin to make their announcement as it gets closer to the years end. I keep reading posts about a "dark horse running", maybe thats what Howard County needs, some new blood with fresh ideas.

Don't trip over your pom poms cheering for this guy.

Here you go...

Home Page

We can only wish Howard County had someone that looked this good...

Woo Hoo, Van Baalen Rocks!

That took me back to the eighties.

I agree with the poster, this guy is the real deal. I am jealous of Miami County. I dont know if we even have a guy here with this much on the ball. We havent seen in it any of the names listed so far, lets recruit this guy to move into Howard County.

Nik, before we all get caught up in the moment, what do your law enforcement contacts say about this guy?? How about Boomer, any words of wisdom. I have heard that he worked in Kokomo a lot with the KPD and then HCSD drug task force. Is he was he seems or not??

I met Dave Van Baalen when he was Chief of the Peru PD when doing a follow up that required me to work with them to solve a theft. He appeared to be very level headed and fast to assist another agency. The guys in the drug task force used to speak highly about him. I have heard very little good or bad about him or his career to say he would be a good Sheriff for Miami County.

We have found that candidates can beef up accomplishments on paper but that don't mean they will be a good candidate for Sheriff.

So boomer are you saying he is a good guy or beefed up on paper?? Im not sure which direction you were going with that one?? Any input from you NIK? Miami County wants to know.