Steele County Sheriff’s Race 2022
In an effort to keep our readers as informed as possible about the upcoming election and the choices they are offered, we are asking the candidates of several races to weigh in on the issues.
That includes the race for Steele County Sheriff. Incumbent Sheriff Lon Thiele is facing challenger Darrin Helget, who is currently a deputy sheriff for the SCSO.
Every week through Nov. 2, we will publish the answer to a weekly question, designed just for the sheriff candidates. There will be a word limit; the only editing we’ll do is if the answer is too long.
We sincerely hope this is beneficial to you, our reader, about the issues affecting Steele County, where the candidates stand and how they may address those concerns.
This week's question:
The Steele County Sheriff's Office covers two communities that do not have police departments, meaning law enforcement falls entirely to the SCSO. In the event of an emergency, minutes -- sometimes seconds -- matter. What will you do to ensure the quickest response time possible in those outlying areas?
Answers were limited to 250 words.
Steele County Deputy Darrin Helget: The Steele County Sheriff’s Office patrols 432 square miles, including 13 townships and two cities that contract with Steele County: Medford and Ellendale. The sheriff’s office also assists in Blooming Prairie and Owatonna as needed/requested. There are approximately 37,559 residents in Steele County, 8,954 that reside outside of Owatonna and Blooming Prairie. The sheriff’s office provides staggered contracted patrols to the communities of Medford and Ellendale. This staggered patrol was implemented by former Sheriff (Gary) Ringhofer and seems to be the best possible practice, short of those communities contracting 24 hours a day at a significant cost to the taxpayers. There is no way to predict what will happen and when, as law enforcement is unpredictable and dynamic. As a long-time patrol deputy, I, as well as my partners, monitor each other’s location and try to remain spread throughout the county. This approach will continue to be my priority, as well as partnerships with other agencies including Owatonna PD, Blooming Prairie PD and the Minnesota State Patrol, as well as our neighboring sheriff’s offices.
Steele County is fortunate to have great first responders in Ellendale and Medford that respond to medical, crash and rescue operations. This provides the most effective response when minutes or seconds matter. The sheriff’s office simply cannot provide these services alone, and are grateful for all the first responders.
Steele County Sheriff Lon Thiele: The Steele County Sheriff’s Office has contractual law enforcement agreements with Ellendale and Medford. The agreements with Ellendale and Medford have been in place for several years. I work closely with both City Councils to ensure and promote public safety with the quickest response times available. I also have a great working relationship with both entities and understand their expectations in law enforcement protection. Additionally, I have meetings and other communications with the public, allowing them a chance to voice any concerns. A great example of that is speeding. Someone will call in a speeder at whatever time and location, and we will provide extra patrols to prevent the issue of fast cars.
Throughout the nation, the businesses and school shootings have always been a concern to me. Since being elected Sheriff in 2010, I’ve implemented patrol hours that are enhanced during business times and especially school hours. I’ve also increased deputies training and equipment, allowing them to perform their job properly and efficiently. NOTE: Due to the security risk or advertising of operational plans, I will be unable to answer this question in detail without jeopardizing public safety response times throughout the county.