WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
On the heels of two ceremonies last Friday, St. Joseph County’s 11-year sheriff Brad Balk was recognized by members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners, who approved a proclamation in his honor during their meeting Tuesday.
Read by longtime friend and board chairman Dennis Allen, the proclamation cited Balk’s start as a road patrol deputy – Allen paused to note that he was undersheriff at the time and responsible for Balk’s hiring – in June 1990 and his eventual rise to sheriff effective Jan. 1, 2009.
Balk’s many positive attributes to the department and his retirement last Friday also were referenced.
Before turning the floor over to Balk, an emotional Allen reminded those in the audience that he and Balk have a relationship that goes back to when they were teenagers.
Allen brought up memories of the two growing up at the jail when Balk’s dad, Neubert, was sheriff. In closing, Allen said his life would have been much different if Balk’s family members hadn’t shown the benevolence toward him that they did.
Balk, equally as emotional, said he was grateful to spend his law-enforcement years with the sheriff’s department in St. Joseph County. He also acknowledged the five-member board and said they have been a pleasure to work with.
