Joel Schmidt
Better
Safer
Stronger
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Meet Joel Schmidt
Joel has spent over two decades protecting families in Central Minnesota. He’s worn nearly every uniform in the system. From 911 dispatch to law enforcement, emergency response, and community service, Joel has built a career defined by service, accountability, and results.
As Sheriff, Joel will lead from the front, not from a desk. For more than 20 years, he has answered that call–and as Sheriff, he will continue protecting Benton County families with experience, leadership, and integrity.
Joel Schmidt is running for Benton County Sheriff because he believes experience matters – and because strong leadership means never accepting “that’s the way we’ve always done it.”
Public safety is constantly evolving. Criminals adapt, technology evolves, and emergency situations require faster, smarter responses. Benton County needs a Sheriff who understands those challenges and knows how to improve the systems behind them.
Joel’s career has shown him that public safety works best when dispatchers, deputies, firefighters, EMS, schools, and families work together toward one goal: protecting our community.
Why now?
After more than two decades serving on the front lines of public safety, Joel believes Benton County deserves leadership that combines real-world experience with a vision for the future. He is running to build a Sheriff’s Office that is faster, smarter, and better prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.
As Sheriff, Joel will focus on
Faster Emergency Response
Improving communication and operational systems so emergency responders can act faster when every second counts.
Better Training & Equipment
Ensuring deputies have the tools, technology, and training needed to respond safely and effectively.
Modernizing the Sheriff’s Office
Using smarter systems and innovative technology to improve efficiency and strengthen public safety.
Community-Focused Leadership
Building collaboration between law enforcement, first responders, schools, and local families.
EXPERIENCE FROM EVERY ANGLE OF PUBLIC SAFETY
LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER – Over 20 years of service with the Stearns County Sheriff's Office, including 911 dispatch, field training, deputy and senior deputy roles, criminal investigations, and more than five years with the Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force.
SPECIALIZED TEAMS & LEADERSHIP – SWAT crisis negotiator, Stearns/Benton Dive Team member, and leader in developing the Sonar Team. Served as an Explorer Program advisor and Vice President of the Crisis Negotiators Association of Minnesota.
TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS – Experienced instructor in active threat response, youth firearms safety, and crisis intervention. Specialized training in criminal investigations, narcotics enforcement, forensic interviewing, and mental health crisis response.
FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES – Served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, including service with the Glencoe and Sauk Rapids Fire Departments and Glencoe Regional Health Ambulance.
RECOGNITION & COMMUNITY SERVICE – Recognized with a commendation from the U.S. Attorney's Office and two lifesaving awards. Active in youth mentorship, community safety education, and volunteer coaching.
EDUCATION – Graduate of Monticello High School, attended Anoka Hennepin Technical College for aviation, and earned an Associate of Applied Science from Alexandria Technical College.