Sheriff plans to run again in fall

While many sheriffs around Minnesota are retiring or leaving the profession altogether after a tumultuous period for law enforcement, Steele County’s top law enforcement official is poised to continue for at least another four years.

Sheriff Lon Thiele announced this week he is running for re-election in fall as he seeks his fifth term. He has been re-elected three times since taking over the reigns in 2011.

“I love what I’m doing,” said Thiele, who grew up in Steele County and has worked in the police profession for about 35 years. “I’m going for my fifth term because people believe in what I’m doing,” he added.

Together with the community, Thiele said he has achieved remarkable success over the past 15 years. “Through hard work, collaboration and a commitment to proactive policing strategies, the sheriff’s office has made Steele County a very safe place to live, work and raise a family,” he said.

“Our work is not done,” Thiele said. “As we look ahead my focus remains clear on reducing crime through proactive strategies, continuing community outreach and engagement and investing in training and technology to keep our county safe.”

Thiele’s announcement comes after he recently took over as president of the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association. In addition, he is also president of FBI-LEEDA, a premier national development association committed to training and education.

“No one from Minnesota has ever been president of the state and national groups at the same time,” said Thiele. “I’m able to put my voice forward for public safety. We have a voice from Smallville Minnesota on a national circuit in law enforcement,” he added.

He pointed out his greatest accomplishment has been representing Steele County on local, state and federal stages.

In fact, this week Thiele is hosting Gold Star Training for the FBI-LEEDA group comprising of about 15 law enforcement professionals from around the country at the sheriff’s office in Steele County.

“I can’t sit like a bump on a log and not do anything in the position,” Thiele said about his high involvement. “My commitment is to Steele County, and I want to put my voice out there,” he said.

In his role, Thiele said he has come to understand the community’s needs, which he identifies as commitment to public safety and fiscal responsibility.

He said, “I understand that every dollar we spend comes from hardworking taxpayers. That’s why I have prioritized responsible budgeting, making sure we maximize resources without increasing the burden on our community.”

Thiele points to the recent move of the sheriff’s office to the existing detention center, which has been underutilized since it was built in the 1990s. He led an effort to renovate the center to include the sheriff’s office, which parted ways with the City of Owatonna from the downtown Law Enforcement Center. He was able to set up his office for about $4 million.

Community engagement and transparency are important to Thiele. “You need to be involved with the community you protect and serve,” he said, noting that may mean sitting in a dunk tank for a community cause.

“My approach has always been rooted in integrity, accountability and a deep respect for the people we serve,” Thiele said. “I firmly believe that law enforcement is most effective when it works hand-in-hand with the community.”

He added, “Serving Steele County has been an honor. Together, we’ve built a foundation of safety and trust, and I am committed to building on that success.”