10/05/2026
Leadership is not a title—it is a responsibility.
Recently, I was asked to share my thoughts on leadership. To me, leadership is not about having authority over people. It is about serving others, mentoring those around you, and leading by example every single day.
I've heard others say that if elected, they will begin working alongside officers and supporting the community. While I respect everyone's desire to serve, I believe those qualities should exist long before someone seeks a leadership position. Leadership isn't something you turn on after an election—it is demonstrated through consistent actions over time.
Throughout my career, I have worked side by side with the officers I serve. I have never asked someone to take on a task or an extra assignment that I wasn't willing to do myself. Many times, I have intentionally taken on additional responsibilities so the burden wouldn't fall on my teammates.
For years, I have helped prepare for community events such as Cops and Cars, Spooky Town, Rock and Rumble, and many others. Often, I handled much of the work behind the scenes—not because I couldn't ask for help, but because I wanted to lessen the workload for others.
True leadership happens long before the lights come on, the cameras arrive, or the crowd gathers. Leaders prepare the stage for the mission—not for the recognition. Sometimes that means setting up tables. Sometimes it means mopping floors or scrubbing toilets. Sometimes it means taking the first shift when others would rather wait.
When I requested volunteers for the emergency winter weather shelter, I signed up first. When schedules were made for community events, I put my name on the list first.
Leadership also means accepting responsibility when situations become difficult or dangerous. A true leader places themselves in front of their officers when faced with danger whenever possible, accepting the greater risk so those they lead have a better chance of going home safely. Leadership is about protecting your people before protecting yourself.
When obstacles arise, leaders don't complain or look for excuses. They don't quit when the path becomes difficult. They look for solutions, adapt to the challenge, and find another way to succeed. Real leaders inspire confidence because they remain steady when others are facing uncertainty.
Some of the hardest moments in law enforcement are making death notifications to grieving families. Whenever possible, I have chosen to shoulder that responsibility myself because that's what leaders do—they accept the difficult tasks so others don't have to.
To me, leadership is built on humility, service, sacrifice, courage, accountability, and perseverance. It isn't about being seen. It is about making a difference, even when no one is watching.
That is the kind of leader I have always tried to be, and it is the kind of Chief of Police I will strive to be every day