I have been blessed to know the Behnke family throughout my life and have known Undersheriff Richard Behnke since his birth.

Rick’s accomplishments in law enforcement, his knowledge of our area, its communities and the people of Cass County make him the premiere candidate for the office of sheriff. Rick’s knowledge of the law and his common sense application of our laws fairly to all citizens speaks well to his professionalism, especially during times of challenge to officer respect and appreciation.

Undersheriff Behnke brings integrity, honesty, and vision with compassion and hometown care to the office. He has been consistent throughout his life in upholding these virtues, he is widely supported by state and local law enforcement officers, and he is deeply respected by the citizens of Cass County.

I strongly support Rick as our next sheriff and would urge you to vote for Undersheriff Richard Behnke. Please remember to vote Aug. 2.

Chuck Burling

Dowagiac

 

Behnke’s experience will serve him well

Cass County will be electing a new sheriff on during the Michigan primary election on Aug. 2.

I will be voting for Richard Behnke to be our next sheriff and I encourage you to join me.

Rick has been in law enforcement ever since he graduated from Ferris State University with a degree in Criminal Justice 30 years ago.

I worked with Rick while I served as Cass County’s Community Corrections Manager for nearly 15 years. I know him to be a man of scruples and integrity whose work ethic and dedication to the public good are unparalleled.

His background, which includes grant writing, human resource management and community relations, is what we need for the county’s chief law enforcement officer. Our sheriff must be someone capable of strong yet sensitive leadership in a field that has become highly technical, stressful and complex. As sheriff, Richard Behnke will bring a wealth of education, experience and commitment to his office.

Vote for Richard Behnke on Aug. 2.

Beth Dodge

Dowagiac

 

Sheriff’s candidate a key member of community

I have known Richard Behnke for about 45 years and he is absolutely the best choice for sheriff.

I have witnessed his great work at Southwestern Michigan College (SMC) where he has been very involved with several items pertaining to law enforcement.

First, he was an early supporter of developing a criminal justice program on campus for both two year and four-year degrees.

Second, he has been a high-quality adjunct faculty for this program.

Third, he has been involved with the sheriff’s department key instructional program within the criminal justice program, along with other departments, making SMC’s program one of the best in the state. The simulation and demonstration work the sheriff’s office has provided within this collaborative curriculum has been vital for students to get real experience for the careers they seek in law enforcement.

Finally, Behnke has worked directly with SMC security staff for many years to provide comprehensive campus security, intergovernmental agreements with the Dowagiac Police Department and other agencies, and has collaborated with the college to protect students and provide upgraded campus security.

Richard Behnke has been a great partner with SMC, and I enthusiastically encourage our community to vote for him on Aug 2.

Thomas F. Jerdon

Dowagiac

 

‘Homegrown’ officer dedicated to Cass County

Richard Behnke deserves to be our next sheriff.

Rick is a homegrown guy who studied criminal justice in college and has served our county in law enforcement his entire adult life. Having been the undersheriff the last 13 years, no one is more qualified and deserving to be our next sheriff.

I am privileged to call Rick a friend since returning to this area in 2007. He has a huge desire to help kids, as evidenced by his ongoing support of Cass County CASA and involvement in Rotary, and he helps all nonprofits and county departments as chair of the Human Services Coordinating Council.

Rick and wife Lorri — also a dedicated professional in law enforcement — live in Dowagiac and are excellent supporters of all aspects of our community.

Please give Richard Behnke the opportunity he has worked his entire life for: to serve the residents of Cass County as their next sheriff.

Jim Ward

Jefferson Township

 

Behnke will keep his promises

A lot of promises made do not always mean promises kept, except for those made by Republican sheriff candidate Richard Behnke.

He has the experience, education and integrity necessary to be the next sheriff of Cass County.

Richard is actively involved with all divisions under the auspicious of the sheriff as the appointed undersheriff. He has been involved with the department’s budgets of over $7 million and knows how to operate and live within the county approved budgets.

He has experience with what it takes to hire qualified individuals that are seeking employment in law enforcement. Behnke has experience in the day-to-day operations of each division under the authority of the sheriff.

Vote for the candidate who will be proud to be the next generation sheriff of Cass County on Aug. 2 by voting for Richard Behnke.

Dennis Dominiak

Cassopolis/Dowagiac

 

Former police chief endorses Behnke

I would like to take this opportunity to express my support for Richard Behnke, Republican candidate for Cass County Sheriff.

He has 29 years of law enforcement experience and has been the undersheriff (second in command of the sheriff’s office) for the last 13 of those years.

He has the education: bachelor’s of science in criminal justice and continuing education through trainings offered by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Northwestern University and the Michigan Sheriff’s Association.

He is involved in his community as well.

Vote for a candidate with experience, education and integrity, Richard Behnke, on Aug. 2. Let us continue our county law enforcement with the best.

Frank Williams Jr.

Cassopolis