"Hodapp brings the right combination to position"
I have lived in Bemidji for about 25 years now. In that time I have seen a number of sheriffs come and go — some good, some bad. But until Phil Hodapp was elected, I had never seen one who does his job with a smile on his face and kindness in his heart.
I don't know Mr. Hodapp personally, but I have met him and questioned him and watched him in his work. He brings a rare combination of up-to-date knowledge in the field, a long history in our community, and connections with other branches of law enforcement around the state. Crime is no longer a local phenomenon. Drug dealers come in from distant locations, sex offenders get relocated here, crimes are committed constantly that cross jurisdictions.
Being a "good cop" is not enough to do the job any more. You have to be able to work with the intricacies of the various systems and jurisdictions, and be knowledgeable about new techniques and methods of everything from collecting and handling evidence to dealing with arrestees and the general public. Sheriff Hodapp has done all these skills.
But what impresses me most is his commitment to fairness in dealing with two groups that too often do not get fair treatment in our community: youth and native Americans. I believe that Sheriff Hodapp is a rare and precious resource — a local man with long experience in law enforcement, connections, and current knowledge in the field, and a fair mind and a good heart. We are lucky to have him.
Kent Nerburn
Bemidji, MN