I am fortunate to have a great team of deputies, jailers, and office staff, but I want to take a moment to emphasize just how vital Chief Deputy Joe Quandt has been during these initial weeks of my time as Sheriff. There’s so much that happens behind the scenes at the Sheriff’s Office that most people will never see, and probably never will. In the past two months, there have been moments where I’ve felt completely overwhelmed. But Joe handles everything with pride, always putting the office first without letting anyone see that he too might be feeling the pressure.

In our profession, it’s common for people to have a lot to say, often negative, about what we do – without really knowing us or understanding the job. With that in mind, I don’t think Tama County fully realizes what an asset Joe is to this county. He’s not one to seek the spotlight, so I know he won’t be thrilled to see this, but he truly deserves the recognition.

It’s been a busy month, but things are starting to run more smoothly. I’ve always believed the first 100 days should be about understanding why things are done the way they are and planning for the future. It’s a time to take a close look at our processes and see how we can improve efficiency or explore new ways to move forward and keep up with the times. There have been overwhelming moments, but overall, it has been great! I know I probably sound like a broken record, but I’m genuinely excited for what lies ahead.

I also know there’s been a lot of talk lately about the county’s budget and financial situation, and I understand how easy it is to feel worried and frustrated. The truth is, small-town Iowa is facing real struggles, and it’s no secret that many communities are feeling the pressure. But I truly believe we’ll come through this stronger. As elected officials, it’s our job to work together and always keep the people who put us in these positions at the center of what we do. It’s also the dedicated employees of Tama County who truly make this county great, and they play such an important role in our success. I feel that, at times, we as elected officials need to step back and ask ourselves, ‘How am I helping Tama County move forward?’ To me, that means working together, doing our part to improve this county, and making it a better place to live and work.

We’re excited to announce that Deputy Brandon Wall will be our new K9 handler! Keep an eye out for upcoming fundraisers to support the K9 Unit. Since the K9 Unit is fully funded by donations, we’re incredibly grateful for all the support we’ve received over the years to keep this program going. Thank you all for your continued support!

As we move into warmer weather and hopefully fewer icy roads, I’m feeling good about where things are headed. It’s been a busy few months, but we’ve got a strong team and the support of the community behind us. Spring’s a great time to refresh and keep pushing forward. Thanks for all the support – it truly makes a difference!

Casey Schmidt is Sheriff of Tama County, Iowa. He took office in 2025.