Endorsements and Support

“Joe is 28-year veteran of the office and has experience with all of its responsibilities. He is an expert at the administration of the office, has a tremendous reputation among the Dakota County Law Enforcement community, and is an intelligent, forward thinking leader dedicated to serving the residents of the county. We are fortunate to have him as our sheriff.” Tim Leslie (retired Dakota County Sheriff)

“I have seen Joe Leko develop into one of the exceptional leaders in law-enforcement. Joe has demonstrated these skills in some of the most difficult situations. His commitment to the community and the Sheriff’s Office is unequaled. He is a great Dakota County Sheriff.” Dave Bellows (retired Dakota County Sheriff)

“I had the privilege of working with four outstanding Sheriffs during my 33 years as Dakota County Attorney, and I can tell you without any hesitation that this same level of excellence continues with Joe Leko as Dakota County Sheriff. In my opinion, no one is more qualified for this important public safety leadership position.” James Backstrom (retired Dakota County Attorney)

“Joe Leko has the right experience and is ready to take on the responsibility of Dakota County Sheriff. I have known Joe for 25 years during which time he has continued to develop his leadership skills and take on more responsible roles in the Sheriff's Office. He is very professionally prepared, having been mentored by some of the best Sheriffs to ever serve Dakota County.” Bob Stowell of Lakeville (retired financial executive and part time deputy sheriff)

“Leko is one of them good ones and it’s been an honor to work side by side with him over the past 8 years. Please lend your support in electing Joe as Dakota County Sheriff.” Bryan Schafer (retired Hastings Chief of Police)

“Joe Leko is a well-respected leader in the law enforcement community from the local to federal level. As a former resident of Rosemount and police leader in Dakota County, we worked side-by-side on multi-jurisdictional efforts to reduce crime and influence policy at the state legislature. Joe is a principled leader whose character and expertise guides his work in serving the community and collaborating with police leaders across the county. I support Joe Leko as Sheriff of Dakota County - the residents are well-served by his vision and nearly three decades of experience!” Eric Werner

“Joe has been an outstanding leader in the Dakota County Law Enforcement community for a number of years and has the demonstrated leadership skills to lead the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office. Over the years as the Lakeville Police Chief, I had many opportunities to work on several cooperative efforts with Joe in my community. I have found him to be a professional and highly capable law enforcement leader with a sincere heart for public service.” Thomas Vonhof (retired Lakeville Chief of Police)

“I had the privilege of working with Joe as an Assistant Dakota County Attorney. He will be a fine sheriff, and be able to lead the Sheriff’s Office to be one of the best and fairest law enforcement agencies in Minnesota.” Don Bruce (retired)

“I worked with Joe for several years and his high character and ability are second to none. There is no finer candidate in the state that is more suited to be the Sheriff of Dakota County.” Chief Michael Parks – University of Texas Health San Antonio, TX (former Lakeville Police Department Detective)

“Dakota County Heroes is pleased to endorse Joe Leko for Sheriff of Dakota County! He is known to be a man of integrity and honor. He is a fantastic Sheriff.” Dakota County Heroes (nonprofit organization)

“I have had the honor and privilege of working with Joe Leko for many years. I have known him since our days on the Dakota County SWAT Team. I can attest to his character and integrity. Joe serves us well as Dakota County Sheriff. As his friend, former partner, and CEO of Soldiers 6, we are proud to endorse such an amazing hero.” Ed Abrahamson, CEO of Soldier’s 6 (nonprofit organization)

Supporters

Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena
South St. Paul Chief of Police Brian Wicke
West St. Paul Chief of Police Brian Sturgeon
Scott County Sheriff Luke Hennen
Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry
South St. Paul Mayor Jimmy Francis
Dakota County Sheriff Tim Leslie (retired)
Dakota County Sheriff Dave Bellows (retired)
Dakota County Sheriff, Stearns County Sheriff, Steele County Sheriff Don Gudmundson (retired)
Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom (retired)
Dakota County Chief Deputy Attorney Phil Prokopowicz (retired)
Assistant Dakota County Attorney Don Bruce (retired)
Apple Valley Chief of Police Jon Rechtzigel (retired)
Burnsville Chief of Police Eric Gieseke (retired)
Faribault Chief of Police, Lakeville Police Sergeant Andy Bohlen (retired)
Farmington Chief of Police Gary Rutherford (retired)
Hastings Chief of Police Bryan Schafer (retired)
Lakeville Chief of Police, Thomas Vonhof (retired)
Lakeville Mayor Doug Anderson (retired)
South St. Paul Chief of Police Bill Messerich (retired)
South St. Paul Chief of Police Dan Vojovich (retired)
Eric Werner (former Rosemount resident and police leader in Dakota County)
Bob Stowell of Lakeville (retired financial executive and part time deputy)
Michael Parks – former Lakeville Police officer and current Executive Director of Police at University of Texas Health San Antonio, TX
Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce
Dakota County Heroes (nonprofit organization)
Ed Abrahamson CEO of Soldier’s 6 (nonprofit organization)

Ready to Endorse Joe Leko for Sheriff?

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