Candidate Questionnaires: Allamakee County Sheriff

Please provide some background information about yourself.
 
Grampovnik: I was born in Waukon May 24, 1970 to Jack and Judy Grampovnik. My parents moved to Lansing in 1969 where my dad accepted a teaching position with the Eastern Allamakee School District. My parents both worked in the field of education until they retired in 2010.
I grew up in Lansing and graduated from Kee High School in May of 1988. After graduating from Kee High, I moved to Waterloo and attended Hawkeye Community College and studied Police Science. In 1990, I completed my practicum with the Cedar Falls Police Department. Upon completion of my practicum, I received my AA Degree in Police Science. I began furthering my education and went to Upper Iowa University while working full-time at Omega Cabinets in Waterloo.
In 1992, I moved back to Lansing and worked at Northern Engraving. In 1993, I was offered a full-time position with the Waukon Police Department. In 1994, I was enrolled in the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in Des Moines. I graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in 1994. After graduating, I worked patrol for the City of Waukon and part-time for the City of Lansing. During my years with the Waukon Police Department, my duties ranged from enforcing traffic laws, protection from abuse, criminal, divorce and child custody issues. I also taught D.A.R.E for three years in the Allamakee School District.
In 1997 I was hired by the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy. While working for the Sheriff’s Office, I taught D.A.R.E for the Eastern Allamakee Community School District. In 2001, I received my state certification for a Firearm Instructor from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and taught firearms instruction to the Sheriff’s Office and several other local police departments. I used my expertise in this area and also taught the Concealed Weapons Permit classes for the citizens of Allamakee County.
In 2003, I was appointed Chief Deputy by Sheriff Heiderscheit and the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors. During my years with the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office, I worked patrol, conducted drug investigations, investigated burglaries and sex crimes, and worked in the civil division, all while still maintaining the position of Chief Deputy to include the administrative duties the position requires. I have approximately 19 years of service as a Law Enforcement Officer in Allamakee County.

Mellick: I was born and raised in Allamakee County. I am the son of Tom and Mary Mellick and grew up on the family farm near Waukon. My ties to Allamakee County run deep as my ancestors had settled here in the mid 1800s and I have many relatives and friends residing within Allamakee County. My wife, Sheila, and I have three children, Dillon, Abie and Andrew. I have an exemplary work ethic, a conservative belief and the ability to problem solve by finding cost-effective solutions to meet needs of Allamakee County.
I am a graduate of Waukon High School. Following graduation, I was employed as a heavy equipment operator and mechanic for one of the largest general contractors in Iowa. I have achieved an Associate of Applied Arts Degree in Police Sciences from Hawkeye Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration from Upper Iowa University. While pursuing my college education, I continued to work in the construction and farming industries. Following college, I was employed in the juvenile justice field and worked within the school system as a liaison officer and provided community based programming to children.
My employment with the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office began in 2004. Since this time, I have been involved in all aspects of the Sheriff’s Office and have continued to excel, gaining knowledge and experience to become prepared to accept the role of Sheriff. My responsibilities as a Deputy Sheriff have included patrol, civil procedure, investigations (narcotics and major crimes), accident investigations and reconstruction, ALERT Tactical Unit Coordinator, equipment acquisition and maintenance, policies and procedures oversight, dispatch and mobile information technology, and organization of the deputies' work schedules. I have also performed numerous administrative duties within the Sheriff’s Office as assigned by Sheriff Heiderscheit, including Jail Administrator.

What motivated you to seek the office of Allamakee County Sheriff?

Mellick: As a veteran officer of the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office, I have developed a strong sense of awareness of the need for strong leadership within the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office is the icon of law enforcement throughout the county and should perform in a manner consistent with that. I believe that the Sheriff has a responsibility to the citizens to see that law enforcement responds to the needs of the public that they serve in a professional manner. I care deeply about the people of Allamakee County and believe that in order to continue to progress, it is my responsibility to step forward and ensure a smooth transition within the Sheriff’s Office. I have been well received by the people of Allamakee County and am dedicated to serve them with pride and passion.

Grampovnik: My motivation to seek the position of Allamakee County Sheriff was derived from a personal goal that I had when I was in high school. I have always wanted to work in law enforcement. My goal was to work for a Sheriff’s Office and then, someday, after many years of experience, become a Sheriff.
I feel that with my 19 years of experience in law enforcement, I have a lot to offer the citizens of Allamakee County. With this many years of experience, I have encountered numerous different situations that could arise and I feel confident that I will make the best decisions for the citizens of Allamakee County and the employees of the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office. I believe that listening to concerns of citizens and fellow employees and finding ways to ensure the highest level of service that can be provided is extremely important.

As a potential Allamakee County Sheriff, what do you feel would be your ultimate responsibility to the citizens of Allamakee County?

Grampovnik: I feel my ultimate responsibility as Sheriff is to protect the rights of the citizens of our county. The Sheriff is responsible to uphold the Amendments of the Constitution laid out by our forefathers. It is inherently important to protect these rights, to include protection from federal government agencies, for example, our Second Amendment rights.
I plan to be a strong leader to support our citizens of Allamakee County in a manner that is fair, courteous and yet impartial, while recognizing that we should all be treated with respect and dignity. I believe a well-managed office should make use of the most efficient and effective management and budgeting techniques to provide the highest level of service. I recognize that a Sheriff and his deputies make decisions that will affect citizens. Therefore, the Sheriff must possess the ability to be fiscally and morally responsible and make decisions that will never harm or discredit a citizen. A Sheriff should adopt and update policies and technologies to run an office efficiently.

Mellick: I feel that as the only elected law enforcement officer in the county, the Sheriff’s ultimate responsibility is to ensure the rights of the people by upholding the laws set forth by the Constitution of the United States and by the State of Iowa and maintain lawful order. As Sheriff it would be my responsibility to ensure that law enforcement officers discharge their duties in a fair and just manner to all. This can only come from strong leadership that believes it is imperative to discharge our duties in the best interest of the people and public safety at all times.
I have faithfully discharged my duties in a fair, just and professional manner at all times. I have always answered to the needs of the people of Allamakee County by making myself available to respond when needed. I have provided direction and assistance to law enforcement officers throughout the county during the course of their duties and will continue to do so as Sheriff.

Do you agree or disagree with the current State of Iowa law requiring County Sheriffs to issue concealed carry weapon permits based on a standard set of criteria, and what impact have you seen that have in our county?  If the law would ever be repealed and that decision-making responsibility return to the County Sheriff, what would be your standards for issuing concealed carry permits?

Mellick: I don’t believe and hope that the current law is not repealed, but as the Sheriff of Allamakee County, I would not and do not have an issue with the current concealed carry law. We have not seen any issues with regards to concealed carry in Allamakee County from persons possessing a concealed weapons permit. The citizens that have acquired the concealed weapons permits have acted responsibly and do abide by the law.
If the law were to be repealed, I would follow the guidelines as set forth by the Code of Iowa. I would issue permits to the citizens based on these requirements. I do believe in the people’s right to keep and bear arms as set forth in the Second Amendment.
I would work with the instructors of the concealed carry classes to ensure that proper training is being provided to participants so that they are receiving accurate and up-to-date information regarding laws and safety within these classes.

Grampovnik: I believe that the concealed carry law hasn’t really affected the way the Sheriff issues permits in Allamakee County. I have worked for two Sheriffs during my career. Both of them have been strong supporters of our Second Amendment rights as well. We have always been and will continue to be a county that issues permits to carry to qualified citizens.
If the current laws were ever to be repealed and the decision making responsibility returned to the Sheriff, I would continue to issue permits and defend our Second Amendment Rights. A concern I do have with the current way the State of Iowa has the law written is that they have taken the power away from the Sheriff and it allows citizens to carry weapons in establishments that serve alcohol.

What challenges do you see facing the Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement in general in coming years and how would you address those issues as Allamakee County Sheriff?

Grampovnik: The abuse of drugs and alcohol have and always will be a challenge for any law enforcement agency in the nation, and we certainly aren’t immune to it. One of our larger problems is the use and manufacturing of methamphetamine. Recently, there have been some very productive changes that have targeted drug and alcohol abuse, including limiting cold medicines that are commonly used for manufacturing methamphetamine. Making it more difficult to obtain precursors has no doubt contributed to declining numbers of methamphetamine labs in the Midwest. However, illegal manufacturers are continuously attempting to outsmart the criminal justice system and our investigative techniques. It is essential to maintain a proactive approach to this issue.
Another challenge for Sheriff’s offices throughout the state of Iowa is the increasing number of mental health cases and the decreasing availability of proper treatment facilities throughout the state. Many times, the Sheriff’s Office is responsible for transporting these patients very long distances. In these cases, the Sheriff’s main goal is the safety of the patient, but also to continue to find cost-effective ways to address this issue.

Mellick: The needs of Allamakee County are ever changing and must be met. It is important to have the ability to respond to crisis and manage these professionally to achieve the best possible outcome. It will be important to work with the public and the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors to provide the highest level of service and maintain fiscal responsibility.
Maintaining a communications center and county jail is a continued must for Allamakee County. We are currently operating from a facility that was built in the 1940s. Each year, our jail is inspected by the State of Iowa Jail Administrator and it has become increasingly difficult to remain compliant with jail standards as set forth in the Code of Iowa. I have worked to provide facility upgrades within our jail to meet these standards and keep operating costs low. I have found cost-effective solutions to meet these needs and have utilized local resources when possible. Utilizing technology has allowed the Sheriff’s Office to increase productivity and efficiency and meet requirements.
As budgets tighten, the Sheriff will need to be creative when finding solutions to issues that arise and be able to work with the Board of Supervisors to continue to operate and provide services in a manner consistent with those that the citizens have become accustomed to from your Sheriff’s Office. I believe that this is accomplished through fiscal responsibility and the ability to identify what is required and then be able to justify needs such as equipment, personnel, etc. I believe this is accomplished through research and awareness. The Allamakee County Sheriff’s budget currently operates at approximately sixty percent or less than that of the budgets of the surrounding counties and it is my intention as Sheriff to continue to provide quality services while maintaining this type of fiscal responsibility for the citizens of Allamakee County.

In addition to your role as this county’s highest level of law enforcement, what degree of civil responsibility do you feel is appropriate for the holder of such a high office to his/her community? Can you provide examples of civil commitments you have made in the past or plan to continue or begin to make in the future, and how do you feel those commitments impact the holder of such an office in the eyes of the public they serve?

Mellick: As the Sheriff and a citizen of Allamakee County, civil responsibility is a must. Your Sheriff should be civilly active throughout the county. Civil responsibility should be encouraged among all law enforcement officers on duty and off duty. This can be accomplished by simply being active in the community and being responsible to the citizens.
As an Allamakee County Deputy Sheriff, I have identified needs throughout the county and have acted responsibly to address these needs through education and community programs. I have worked hard to develop programs such as Methamphetamine Awareness, Staying Safe, Safety in the Community, The 411 on Commonly Abused Drugs and the use of Global Positioning Systems for Fire Departments, Emergency Medical Services and Law Enforcement. These programs have provided education to the public and community professionals, enhancing ability to provide critical services to the citizens of Allamakee County.
As a citizen of Allamakee County, my family and I have been very active in the community. This is especially true with regards to the youth by coaching numerous youth activities, the creation of a parks and recreation soccer program and competitive soccer involving over 300 school age youth. I am a member of the Allamakee Community Schools Athletic Booster Club and have volunteered my time as a Boy Scout leader and within the church. I enjoy being active in the community and fully intend to continue this in the future. My family is active in the community and I enjoy working with the public.

Grampovnik: The Sheriff is responsible not only for enforcing the laws, but just as important, ensuring citizens’ rights are not infringed upon. I strongly believe in everyone’s Constitutional Rights and have always been a big proponent of the Second Amendment, which is the Right to Bear Arms. These, along with all of our other fundamental rights, have to be protected and I plan to continue keeping these of the highest priority for the citizens of Allamakee County.
It is essential to be firm when we have to be, but fair and consistent to everyone. I have always treated citizens with the highest amount of respect and I will continue to as the Sheriff of Allamakee County. It is important citizens feel comfortable with their Sheriff and I will continue to have an open door policy in my office.

As a current Allamakee County Deputy, how do you feel your duties would change if elected Allamakee County Sheriff, and how do you feel that change would ultimately impact the Sheriff’s Office?

Grampovnik: My current position as Chief Deputy requires many of the same responsibilities as the Sheriff. One of the major changes from my current position as Chief Deputy to Sheriff would be having the ability to create a more positive environment for my employees. You become a product of your environment, so creating this positive environment for deputies, jailers and dispatchers ultimately produces better quality of work they put out. Employees need to be happy to stay motivated and motivated law enforcement naturally increases the quality of public safety the office can provide for the citizens of Allamakee County.

Mellick: As your Sheriff, it would be my responsibility to see that the needs of the county are met. I believe that this starts with the Sheriff and must be embraced by all Sheriff’s Office personnel. Moving from a Deputy role into that of the Sheriff would bring many changes for me. It would be my responsibility to see that the duties that I had performed as a deputy sheriff continue to be met. As Sheriff, I would provide direction and see that the deputies have the ability, training and attitude to effectively provide these services to the public. I would be available to law enforcement throughout the county to provide assistance and direction at all times.
As an Allamakee County Deputy Sheriff, I have been called upon repeatedly, on duty and off duty, to respond to the scene and provide leadership and guidance when managing an incident. I have provided direction to law enforcement officers and first responders in times of crisis throughout our county and have proven my ability to manage these emergency incidents and work with others to achieve the best possible outcomes for the people and the county. It is my belief that during times of crisis, the Sheriff should be on the ground with officers and responders ensuring that all needs are being met.