Endorsements and Support

“To continue the momentum and the progressive nature of what we do I am encouraging the Chief Deputy, Joe Leko, to run for Sheriff. Joe Leko is 24-year veteran of the office and has experience with all of our 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 would be fortunate to have him as our next 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 will make 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 will continue if Joe Leko is elected 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. Joe is ready to be Dakota County Sheriff.” 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 the next 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 the next Sheriff of Dakota County - the residents will be well-served by his vision and over two 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 next 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 would make 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 will serve well as the next 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

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

Ready to Endorse Joe Leko for Sheriff?

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