Dear Citizens of Polk County,
It has been the greatest honor of my professional career to serve as your Sheriff for the past seven years. After careful consideration and reflection, I am writing to inform I will not seek re-election and will retire at the end of my current term – January 2027, with over 38 years of service with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
I never imagined my start as a Polk County Intern would turn into becoming Sheriff. I have had an exciting full career and want to thank everyone who believed in me through the years. After my internship, I was asked by Sheriff Doug Qualley to come back and work undercover for the Polk/Norman County Drug Task Force. After the task force, I went on to work as a Patrol Deputy, Investigator, K9 handler, and Training Instructor for sheriff’s office personnel and Northland College. I was also a SWAT team member, Sniper, Investigations Sergeant, Chief Deputy and Sheriff. Who could ask for a better career? Thank you, Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Serving this county has been a gift and a privilege I will always carry with me. Throughout my tenure, I have been proud to work alongside dedicated sheriffs (Sheriff Doug Qualley, Sheriff Mark Letexier, and Sheriff Barb Erdman), chief deputies, sergeants, deputies, corrections officers, dispatchers, civilian staff, county commissioners, and partner agencies who share a commitment to integrity, professionalism, and public safety. Together we have faced many challenges head-on, achieved meaningful progress, and remained steadfast in our mission to serve and protect the people of Polk County.
I am deeply grateful to the residents of this county for your trust, cooperation, and support over the years. The strength of our community and the relationships I built with citizens, local leaders, and fellow public servants have made this role especially meaningful.
As I prepare for retirement, my focus remains on ensuring a smooth and responsible transition of leadership while continuing to provide high-quality public service during the remainder of my term. The Sheriff’s Office will continue its work without interruption, and I have full confidence in the men and
women who will carry its mission forward with dedication and professionalism. I inherited a fantastic office from my predecessor, Sheriff Erdman, and I plan to maintain that professionalism and happily pass the torch to the next Sheriff of Polk County.
Polk County will always have a place in my heart – I met my beautiful wife here, raised a family here, and fulfilled a life-long dream of serving as your Sheriff. I can’t thank you enough for allowing me that opportunity. It has been an honor, and I am proud of the work we have done together. With sincere appreciation,
Jim Tadman
Polk County Sheriff
