The most pressing reason is because what we’re doing now is not going to sustain itself in the years to come, and something therein needs to change. There are constraints and roadblocks and many feel that we need to make some assessments and adjustments to improve upon and build upon what many have worked diligently to build and support for decades.

What are some items that need to change? 

Here are a few examples of the many items that need addressed: 

• Various parts of Hancock County are simply not being patrolled on a regular basis
• There are times most days when there is no law enforcement presence on the street patrolling and ready to respond to a call
• The Sheriff’s Department is currently understaffed and recruitment is difficult due to a number of factors (competitive pay and benefits, safety concerns of single-officer shifts, etc.)
• We are quite behind on the times when it comes to equipment and technologies that aid in safe and effective policing
• Communications, Transparency and Community Involvement could be greatly enhanced
• Fiscal processes need improvement in order to have “Adequate Segregation of Duties over Receipts, Disbursements, and Bank Reconciliations” (see the related article on the State Auditor’s report here)
• …and there’s much more 

What qualities/experience does Joshua Vandgrift bring to the table that sets him apart (and would help solve these issues)? 

On top of a general desire to serve those around him, and a ‘don’t stop until it’s right‘ attitude, Josh brings the following qualities and experiences that make him the best choice to oversee this Elected Office: 

• Non-Profit & For-Profit Organizational Management Experience – Josh has decades of experience in both non-profit and for-profit organizational management, dealing with:
  • • Personnel/Employee Oversight (up to 25 Employees)
    • Financial oversight
    • Budgeting
    • Fundraising
    • Contract Creation & Negotiations
    • Grant Writing
    • Organizational Policy Writing
    • Public Relations/Communications
    • Volunteer Recruitment & Coordination
    • …and more.
• Financial/Fiscal Acuity – Whether drilling down and interpreting income statements, balance sheets, expense reports, cash flow statements OR drafting and implementing budgets of all sizes, this candidate is familiar with General Accepted Accounting Principals, AND how to present complex financial information transparently and in a manor in which people can understand and follow.
• Public Communications & Transparency – While not his favorite task, this candidate has years of experience building websites, creating graphics, and writing public-facing content to inform and engage readers/listeners/viewers of all types. A good portion of this work was aimed at helping the organization stay ‘above reproach’ and be transparent in their operations.
• Personal/Character Qualities – In addition to the experience listed above, I believe Mr. Vandgrift’s friends would all attest to the following character traits that would make for an excellent Sheriff:
  • • Principaled – Josh has a ‘high standard’ when it comes to morality and differentiating ‘right’ from ‘wrong’, and those standards are built upon the foundation of a Biblical/Christian Worldview.
    • Incorruptible – Building upon that Biblical/Christian Worldview mentioned above, Josh’s greatest desire is to operate in a manor that is pleasing to God above all else, and that is usually always a stance that is self-sacrificial. Therefore, no amount of money, ease, connections, accolades, or other material or social advantages would prevent him from doing what is ‘right’.  
    • Transparent – This candidate is not afraid to be to stand in the spotlight and be examined. Josh is quick to admit faults and even quicker to try to make things ‘right’. He’s an open book and approachable in nearly all situations. 
    • Determined – Some call it stubborn, but when Josh puts his mind to something that he feels is worthy of pursuing, he doesn’t stop until all avenues have been exhausted. 
    • Perceptive – Josh is very quick in grasping information and ideas, and learns at an above-average rate. 
    • Adaptive – Life is always changing, and this candidate is always looking for new and innovative ways to be more effective, efficient and impactful in everything he does. 

In the upcoming 2026 Primary Election, you’ll have a few choices as to who will serve you and your family as the next Hancock County Sheriff, and we want to encourage you to vote for “Change” by voting for Vandgrift.