Washington County, Minnesota has a decision to make.
Announcing his retirement earlier this year, Sheriff Dan Starry’s term expires in December.
Running to replace him as sheriff meanwhile are two names: Jeremy Bolen and Brian Mueller. With early voting open and the race approaching a decision Nov. 3, these are the candidates.
Starting with Mueller, he is 53 year old, of which 28 have been spent in law enforcement. Currently the Chief of Police for Stillwater, Mueller’s experience includes a vast array of law enforcemnet roles and positions including chief deputy, as well holding as a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with minor in Business Administration and Master’s degree in Police Leadership and Education. Believing public safety to be the number one responsibility of government, Mueller shared more in a questionnaire.

Brian R. Mueller

Name: Brian R. Mueller
Age: 53
Seat/Office sought: Washington County Sheriff

Background/Education:
I have 28 years of law enforcement experience, all serving Washington County. I spent 23 years with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, ultimately serving as Chief Deputy, where I oversaw all operations of the Sheriff’s Office. My experience includes 911 dispatch, patrol, investigations, narcotics, the Drug Task Force, and 17 years on the SWAT Team, including as Team Commander. For the past five years, I have served as Stillwater’s Chief of Police. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Police Leadership and Education.
What is your basic philosophy of government and the sheriff's role?
I believe public safety is the number one responsibility of government. People deserve to feel safe in their homes, neighborhoods, schools, and businesses. The Sheriff plays a critical role in fulfilling that responsibility while protecting constitutional rights and earning the public’s trust. As an independently elected official, the Sheriff must be accountable to the citizens, transparent in decision making, fiscally responsible, and accessible to the communities served. I believe effective public safety is built through strong leadership, community relationships, and collaboration with local, state, and federal partners.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it?
Mental health and substance use are among the most important issues facing our communities and law enforcement today. Too often, deputies are responding to people in crisis who need services and treatment in addition to a law enforcement response. As Sheriff, I would strengthen partnerships with mental health and substance use providers to help connect people with appropriate services and reduce repeat contacts with law enforcement. At the same time, reducing violent crime must remain a top priority. I would emphasize strong investigations and partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to identify and hold violent offenders accountable.
Campaign Social Media:
Facebook: Mueller for Sheriff
Instagram: mueller_for_sheriff

Also running for Washington County Sheriff is Jeremy Bolen, a 45 year old with 22 years experience with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office in roles including Volunteer Reserve Deputy, Community Service Office, and Deputy Sheriff-Adult Detention. A graduate of Mesabi East High School in Aurora, Minnesota, Bolen went on to purées a degree in Law Enforcement at Hibbing Community College.Believing that real leadership means balancing firm, fair law enforcement with empathy and respect for all, Bolen shared more in a questionnaire.

Jeremy Bolen

Name: Jeremy Bolen
Age: 45
Seat/Office sought: Washington County Sheriff

Background/Education: 22 Years with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office serving in roles such as Volunteer Reserve Deputy, Community Service Officer, Deputy Sheriff-Adult Detention, Regions Hospital, Juvenile and Family Court, Patrol, Water Patrol, and Supervisory roles in Patrol, Water Patrol, and Administration.

What is your basic philosophy of government and the sheriff's role? To uphold the Constitution while serving the citizens of Washington County. 

What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it? I believe the most important issues would be rebuilding and maintaining safe staffing levels across patrol, corrections, and dispatch; improving recruitment and retention; and ensuring employees have manageable workloads, effective training, and the resources needed to do their jobs well. I would also prioritize expanded mental health and substance use services while strengthening transparency, accountability, and responsible oversight throughout the Sheriff’s Office.

Campaign Social Media: bolenforsheriff.com