Mellick announces candidacy for Allamakee County Sheriff

Clark Mellick has announced his candidacy for re-election as Allamakee County Sheriff in the Republican Primary Election scheduled for June 4 of this year.

Mellick was born and raised in Allamakee County, the son of Tom and Mary Mellick. He grew up on the family farm raising livestock and crops which he says has provided him with an exemplary work ethic and conservative beliefs. He is a graduate of Waukon High School and has earned an Associate of Applied Arts degree in Police Sciences (Hawkeye Institute of Technology) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration (Upper Iowa University). He is also a 2004 graduate of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

Mellick and his wife Sheila have three children, Dillon, Abie and Andrew, and four grandchildren. He says together they have a deep value of family and faith and have dedicated themselves to these principles.

Beginning as a Deputy Sheriff in 2004, Mellick has been employed within the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office for nearly 20 years. After eight years as a Deputy Sheriff, he was elected Sheriff in 2012 and is currently serving in his third term as the Allamakee County Sheriff.

Mellick says Public Safety has been and continues to be the number-one priority for him as Allamakee County Sheriff. “Throughout my career I have gained valuable experience in county law enforcement operations which include criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, accident and death investigations, illegal narcotics investigations, civil procedure, operation of the E911 dispatch center, operation of the county jail and court-related functions,” he shared. “This experience has provided me with the knowledge needed to provide leadership to effectively manage the responsibilities of the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office.”

He notes that he has taken a proactive approach to public safety through continued collaboration with agencies and providers to meet the needs of the county. “I have developed and provided numerous trainings and presentations to schools, hospitals, government agencies, organizations, businesses, and agriculture,” Mellick stated. “These have included active shooter/violent intruder training, workplace safety, farm safety, illegal narcotics and substance abuse awareness for adults and students. I have also implemented a Traffic Accident Investigations program within the Sheriff’s Office, being one of the first agencies in Iowa to utilize survey grade equipment for accident reconstruction. I worked with deputies to implement a canine unit for the county. Many of these were the first for Allamakee County.”

Noting that Allamakee County has continued to see a need for local mental health services, Mellick explains he has been involved in the planning and delivery of services by working closely with providers and stakeholders to identify needs within the community and connect individuals to services. “I will continue to advocate for access to local services and work to meet these needs,” he said. “Upon identifying the need to access mental health services for individuals that have become involved in the judicial system, these are being provided within the county jail. These services are provided through telehealth which provides stabilization through counseling and medication management. We are reaching out to providers and plan to expand substance abuse services also.”

As Sheriff, Mellick says he has proven to be fiscally responsible with county funds in the operations of the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office, accomplishing that responsibility by working closely with the County Supervisors to adopt an annual budget and continuing to use sound spending practices. “I have continued to advance the operations of the Sheriff’s Office through planning and implementation within an approved budget,” he explained. “This has included the Allamakee County Public Safety Center build and technology projects to meet the current and future needs of public safety. I will continue to work to identify and address needs using cost effective solutions for maintenance, repair and replacement of systems and equipment.”

Mellick notes that he has had the pleasure to serve with and provide leadership of the men and women of the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office who dedicate themselves to service of the public, day in and day out, and he thanks them for their support.

“If re-elected as Allamakee County Sheriff, I will continue to perform the duties of Sheriff to the best of my ability by providing leadership to meet the needs of the people of Allamakee County,” Mellick stated. “With your support, I look forward to continuing to serve you as Sheriff. I may be contacted at 563-794-1062 with questions.”