On Nov. 5, Saline County voters will cast their ballots, selecting their choices for candidates in the race for Saline County Sheriff, the only locally contested race on the ballot.

Candidates on the Nov. 5 ballot running for Saline County Sheriff are Republican Daniel Kirchhoff and Independent Mike Thomas.

The Marshall Democrat-News asked candidates in the contested races the same set of questions, and their responses are provided in their own words.

Daniel Kirchhoff

I’m Daniel Kirchhoff, candidate for Saline County Sheriff. I grew up in the Saline/Cooper County area. I attended high school in Pilot Grove and worked odd jobs after graduation until I was old enough to enroll in the Law Enforcement Training Institute at the University of Missouri. I graduated from the police academy in 2003, and in August of that same year I began working as a deputy in the jail at the Saline County Sheriff’s Department. Soon after, I met my wife, Pam. We have three sons – Corey, Logan and Hunter.

After working in the jail for four years I was transferred to the patrol division. I worked as a patrol deputy until the end of 2022, when I was promoted to Chief Deputy to manage the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office. I am also a task force officer with a multi-jurisdictional drug task force focusing on narcotics investigations.

I’m running for Sheriff because I have dedicated my life to serving the citizens of Saline County and am familiar with the needs of the community. Voters can be confident that I will make their safety and security my top priority. One of my primary goals is to aggressively combat the current drug epidemic, which when left uncontrolled leads to predatory crimes. I also plan to upgrade outdated equipment by utilizing available grants, which brings taxpayer money back into Saline County. Another matter of great importance is one that I have heard from several citizens over the past few weeks and that is the need for more patrol in the smaller towns. I want everyone to feel that they are being protected, no matter where they live. A greater presence in the rural schools is also something I plan to implement.

I’ve enjoyed working for Saline County over the past two decades. I have always strived to do what is right with honesty and integrity. I would appreciate your vote on November 5th so I can continue to serve in a greater capacity.

Mike Thomas

I am a lifelong resident of Saline County graduating from Marshall High School in 1974. I served as a police officer on the Marshall Police Department from October 1976 till October 1981. I also served as a Reserve Deputy of Saline County from 1976 till I981 and again after returning home from the Navy from 1992 to 1995. While working as a police officer I continued my education, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from CMSU in 1981. I joined the U.S. Navy in the fall of 1981, graduating Officer Candidate School in 1982 then attending U.S. Navy flight school, receiving my Navy wings at NAS Pensacola in 1984. After a five-year tour of active duty, I left the Navy and returned home in 1989, remaining in the Naval Reserves till 1992. For the last 30 years I have owned and operated a successful bail bond and fugitive recovery company with agents working for me all over the states of Missouri and Kansas. I have raised my three children in Saline County and am now blessed with seven grandchildren.

I have 40 years of administrative, management and supervisory experience. Over the last 40 years I have led hundreds of men and women in the military and in my own business. Over the last 30 years I have operated a fugitive recovery business and have personally tracked down, arrested and transported hundreds of fugitives back to Missouri from all across our nation, from Washington to Florida, Minnesota to Texas and many of the states in between. A sheriff has to be able to do more than just be a road officer. He as to administer and supervise a department consisting of law enforcement officers, corrections officers, dispatch and communications professionals and clerical staff. He has to lead and supervise these men and women as well as plan and operate within a budget, provide press releases, and interact with the public. I will ensure that crimes are investigated thoroughly and in a timely manner and that my department is accountable to the public which it serves. As your Sheriff I will never forget that I work for you, the citizens, of Saline County to protect and serve your families, businesses and property. I will guarantee the rights afforded to us all under our State and Federal Constitutions to every citizen of Saline County and to anyone within its boundaries.

Please vote for Michael R. (Mike) Thomas for Sheriff on November 5th.