"THE BEST CHOICE"
On November 2nd the voters of Beltrami County will be confronted with one decision that is absolutely clear — re-electing Phil Hodapp as Sheriff of Beltrami County.
I came to Bemidji in 1997 with the FBI. Even then, Phil was one of the most well-known and respected law enforcement officers in the state. In 2005, when I began the process of starting the FBI's Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force, an amalgamation of various federal, tribal, state and local officers, I was able to have Phil appointed to command the task force. Phil became only the 2nd non-FBI agent in the nation to command a FBI-administered law enforcement task force (the only other in Puerto Rico). Under Phil's leadership the HSTTF became a model for other Indian Country task forces and helped bring coordinated and effective violent, firearm and drug crime enforcement to some of the most neglected areas of our state, the three Indian reservations surrounding Bemidji. Phil Hodapp can claim a large part of the credit for its success.
Phil, a humble person, does not speak ill of others, focuses on the positive, and does not brag. He will not tell you that he and his MBCA partner were largely responsible for the solution of a notorious crime, the kidnapping and murder of a young woman store clerk, for which he gained national media recognition. Nor will he relate he was one of the most effective investigators that the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension ever had, that he obtained certification after certification in furtherance of his law enforcement education, or speak about his considerable community volunteer activity.
Phil brings to the Sheriff's Department the ideal leadership role model: Absolute honesty and integrity, a long history of success, state-of-the-art knowledge, care and concern for his fellow man and dedication to his role as the protector of all the citizens of Beltrami County regardless of race, culture, disparate views or economic circumstances. Under his leadership the Sheriff's Department has increased its professionalism, diversity and accountability.
Phil is keenly aware of the trust placed in him by us citizens to ensure safety of our families and loved ones, both on the road and in our homes. We cannot afford to compromise when their safety is at stake. Phil Hodapp is not only the best choice for Sheriff, but really the only choice.
John Patrick Egelhof
Special Agent, FBI (Retired)