As the current and former sheriffs of Stanislaus County, we know from personal experience what is required to lead the nearly 700 men and women who work at the Sheriff’s Department. In our judgement, there is only one candidate who is eminently qualified and best suited to become the next sheriff — Jeff Dirkse.

Jeff has earned our confidence and trust based on a lifetime of leadership and public service. He has excelled at every level — as a cadet at West Point, as an Army Ranger platoon leader, as a medal-winning National Guard commander in Iraq and as a patrol officer, sergeant, detective and now lieutenant at the Sheriff’s Department.

Jeff’s vision is consistent with the mission of the Sheriff’s Department — to protect and serve our community. He is decisive. He understands the responsibilities of law enforcement. And he treats people with respect.

Jeff has the skills, experience and temperament to successfully lead the Sheriff’s Department into the future.

— Adam Christianson, Stanislaus County Sheriff, and Les Weidman, Stanislaus County Sheriff, Ret.