Deputy throws support behind Vandenberg for sheriff

My name is Joe Hambleton. I am a resident of Lee County with my wife and 3 children. Most of my life's work experiences include farming, retail, construction, security, United States Army combat veteran, and Law Enforcement for 13 years at the Lee County Sheriff's Office.
Throughout my experiences, I have recognized some key characteristics that I have discovered that make a successful leader. Some of those characteristics are having: Clear Vision; Education; Courage; Experience; Effective Communication/Transparency; Integrity; Respect; Adaptability; Empathy; Accountability; Humility; Passion; and Impartial Treatment.
About two years ago, I met Elliott Vandenberg while working at the Sheriff's Office together. I have had several conversations with Elliott and have observed how he operates on many different levels over the past 2 years. From my observations, Elliott carries all of the above leadership characteristics.
I have to admit, before I met Elliott, I was just a little skeptical about him. I mean, when your administration is telling the department they hired a guy (Elliott) and how good he is, how beneficial he is going to be for the department and how he is going to be one of the best deputies we have, before he even gets to our department, I was a little skeptical. I am a “Show me, don't just tell me” and “Actions speak louder than words” kind of guy.
It didn't take long after working with Elliott at the Sheriff's Office and having many conversations with him, that I began to acknowledge how great of an asset Elliott was for the department and how much value he could bring to not only the Sheriff's Office but the entire community with his mindset.
My experience from the first time I met Elliott, was, he is genuinely respectful and thoughtful towards everyone he encounters. I have observed this not only when he is conversing with me, but with how he
has communicated with citizens in the public as well.
I have noticed that Elliott has strong christian values and solid morals and his presence alone encourages those around him to want to do better. Everyone probably agrees that actions speak louder than words, so here is just one small example as how Elliott's personality is contagious for the better.
One of the first things I noticed about Elliott when he came to Lee County as a Deputy, he was the first officer I have ever heard in my 13 years of law enforcement, alter his beginning and ending shift radio transmissions to Lee Comm. Instead of the typical “10-41 or 10-42” to start your shift or end your shift; Elliott started his radio transmissions at the beginning of his shift with “Good Morning or GoodEvening” to Lee Comm and he would end his shift transmission with “Have a good day/night Lee Comm.” This simple respectful gesture alone became contagious to some other officer's and dispatchers which creates more of a positive environment.
During Elliott's time at the Sheriff's Office, I observed him present several suggestions to the administration. Some of his suggestions involved benefits for department operations, employee wellness, and better community coverage. It was clear to me that Elliott is a team player by sharing his ideas and suggestions with positive intentions.
Approximately only two months after Elliott started working at the Sheriff's Office, he was asked to sit in on an interview for a potential new hire. I think this speaks volumes to the acknowledgment of

Elliott's high level of experience.
I have been told by several members of the administration, before, during and after Elliott's employment at the Sheriff's Office, that Elliott would make a good supervisor, I agree. Elliott participated in our promotional exam/interview list process and was ranked #1 choice by the administration for the next available promotion. The next available promotion is decided on November 5th.
I have noticed that Elliott makes educated decisions. He will reach out to anyone and ask for their opinion on a topic of interest and he will listen to what you have to say. He does his research in order to make the best decision possible while considering both the short and long term effects. He also makes proficient decisive decisions as needed as well. I think this shows a respectful, responsible, and experienced trait of a leader.
The majority of Elliott's Law Enforcement experience comes from the State level which isn't only expected to follow the standard, they set the standards. With Elliott's extensive law enforcement experience at the State level, his inside experience here in Lee County, combined with his Master's Degree in Business/Management and Legal Studies, he is the most qualified candidate to help take the Sheriff's Office to the next level of Law Enforcement for our community.
Speaking with Elliott, he wants to, “Create a healthy workplace to promote psychological safety and wellness. Everyone from the bottom up will be respected and supported. That's how you keep good staff.” Retention issues cost the tax payers more money. Elliott's mindset will save money, not only on the retention topic, but other areas of operations as well while bringing better coverage to the citizens.
Elliott has routinely demonstrated great leadership qualities throughout my time knowing him and he values his co-workers. His campaign slogan is “Character, Accountability, Community”. These are important traits to demonstrate in this generation of Law Enforcement. He wants to instill community trust back into law enforcement which has declined over the recent years nationwide.
Over the past several months, I have spoke with the vast majority of active and retired Lee County Law Enforcement who also support Elliott Vandenberg for Sheriff.
For the reasons mentioned above, and many more is why my family and I support Elliott Vandenberg for Sheriff!!! We ask for your support on November 5th to vote Vandenberg for Sheriff!!!
Respectfully,
Joe Hambleton,
Lee County