Great Bend resident Brian J. Bellendir announced today his intention to file for the Republican nomination for Sheriff of Barton County. A veteran law enforcement officer and administrator, Bellendir said he promises to bring competence, cooperation, experience and accountability to the office.
Bellendir has served the citizens of Barton County as a law enforcement officer for more than 25 years. He began his service as a reserve deputy and was promoted to reserve sergeant. He later earned full active duty status as a road deputy and soon advanced to road sergeant. After a brief stint away from Barton County, Brian returned to the department as sergeant/administrator of the Barton County Jail. For the past six years Brian has been serving the department as road patrol lieutenant.
He has taught and attended hundreds of training courses and seminars concerning law enforcement operations and administration, terrorism, civil defense and emergency planning, computer applications, marksmanship, budgeting, personnel management, and leadership.
He was born and raised in Barton County, graduated from Great Bend High School in 1980 and has spent most of his life here. He raised two children as a single father, and last year was married to Carol Howard. Brian is a lifetime member of the Prince of Peace Parish.
Bellendir said, “I have had the opportunity to serve our people under a variety of administrations, some great and some lacking in one area or another. During that time, I have heard and seen many things that persuade me that the citizens of Barton County strongly desire to have a Sheriff’s Office that is more responsive to the needs of the people, experienced, professionally administrated, properly supervised, well-trained, and that lives within its budget. I believe that strong, thoughtful, ethical leadership is the key to providing high quality service by the Department. I intend to provide that leadership.
“I believe that my vast law enforcement experience, advanced training and education, and demonstrated leadership skills will provide the people of Barton County with the type of service they desire and at a cost that they can afford.”
Bellendir encourages the citizens of Barton County to contact him with concerns or suggestions for improving the Sheriff’s Department. He plans to work with the Barton County Commissioners and other civic agencies and organizations to create a culture of cooperation, trust and mutual respect. Brian welcomes open public debate between all candidates for Sheriff. He is convinced that the voting public will select the candidate that provides the best combination of experience, leadership, and integrity. That candidate is Brian Bellendir.