Emerick For Steuben County Sheriff

Thank You to everyone for your support! As we continue to pick up yard signs, if you would like to keep yours until the November general election, please pull it from your yard and place it inside.

I am honored and humbled by the trust the people of Steuben County have placed in me, by electing me to represent the Republican party in the upcoming November general election for Sheriff.

This victory isn’t about one person, it’s about all of us. It reflects a shared belief that we can build a safer, stronger community rooted in integrity, accountability, and respect for every individual. I’m grateful to my family, friends, supporters, and everyone who took the time to engage, ask questions, and be part of this process.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve!

YARD SIGNS - We are trying to coordinate yard sign pick-ups from everyone. We will have helpers out picking these up over the next few days, so please leave them out for ease of retrieval. If your sign has still not been picked up by Saturday, please send me a message. THANK YOU ALL!!!! ❤️🤍💙

Send a message to learn more

Votes are in - thank you for believing in my campaign and vision! Onto the General election in November!

Primary Election Day is here! Thank you all for your support and encouragement. As you head to the polls today, I hope you’ll remember the 10 qualities I’ve demonstrated that set me apart.

* Servant Leadership * Integrity/Trustworthiness * Mentorship-Focused * Results-Driven * Collaborative * Forward-Thinking * Calm Under Pressure * Proven Leadership * Accountable * Transparent *

Steuben County residents,
I would like to take a moment to tell you about Chris Emerick and why I believe he will do an outstanding job as your Sheriff. I have not, and will not, speak negatively about the other candidate.
Chris and I first met around 1988 or 1989 at Eastside High School in Butler. I’ve had the privilege of knowing him for nearly 40 years.
Over those four decades, I’ve developed a deep respect for Chris. As I reflect on our time together on the wrestling mat, the football field, and more recently on first responder scenes, I can confidently say that Chris Emerick is the right man for the job.

What stands out most from our younger years is this: Chris was never focused on personal glory. He may not have been a state champion wrestler or an all-state football player, but what he always was and still is a great human being.

No matter the role or assignment, Chris gave it his all. Whether it was playing a role position in football or cutting weight in wrestling to give the team the best chance to succeed, he did what was needed without complaint. He consistently put the team first and handled the less glamorous responsibilities with pride and dedication.

After high school, Chris served our country in the military with that same work ethic and commitment. Thank you, Chris and all who have served for your service.

Following his time in the military, Chris returned home and began a career in law enforcement with the Ashley Police Department. Again, he did the job without seeking recognition just putting his head down and serving the community.

Chris later joined the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office, where he worked his way up through the ranks to Detective First Sergeant. Through hard work and leadership, he earned the respect of those around him.

In addition, Chris serves as the Town Marshal for Clear Lake. While leading the detective division for the Sheriff’s Office, he is also responsible for policing and maintaining the Clear Lake Police Department demonstrating his ability to manage multiple critical responsibilities effectively.

His integrity speaks for itself. I’ve witnessed it firsthand on several occasions. One example that stands out is the SWAT team golf outing that Chris organizes. I had often expressed interest in becoming a specific type of sponsor. Chris never showed favoritism or pushed aside established sponsors to accommodate a friend. Only when a sponsorship became available did he reach out and offer me the opportunity. That’s the kind of fairness and integrity he brings no “good old boys” system, just doing what’s right.
Chris’s willingness to help others, his communication skills, and his genuine care for people are unmatched.

He doesn’t seek attention, recognition, or praise. What he needs is for the residents of Steuben County to know who he is and what he stands for.

If you haven’t already voted, I encourage you to get out and do so, today or tomorrow.

In nearly 50 years of life, I have never publicly endorsed a candidate.

Today, I proudly endorse Chris Emerick For Steuben County Sheriff

DeWayne Tootch Eck

Primary Day matters: May 5 will determine which Republican Sheriff candidate moves on to the general election this November.

On May 5, vote for a leader who is committed to accountability and community safety!

Vote Emerick for Sheriff on May 5, 2026.

TRANSPARENT:
Transparency requires answering tough questions with honesty and taking a look at the bigger picture. It's important to provide straightforward answers, backed by experience and evidence, so the public sees leadership in action, not just hears promises.

This week, May 3–9, we recognize National Correctional Officers Week, a time to honor the men and women who serve behind the walls of our jail with professionalism, strength, and integrity.

When someone is taken into custody, it’s often a tense and uncertain moment in their life. Inside the jail, it’s our confinement officers who maintain order, ensure safety, and treat people with respect. Their role is demanding, often unseen, and absolutely essential to the safety of our entire community.

As your candidate for Sheriff, I will continue to support the training, staffing, and resources our confinement staff need to do their jobs safely and effectively. Accountability and security go hand in hand, and that starts with investing in the people who carry out that mission every day.

This week, I’m proud to stand behind and thank our correctional officers for their service, commitment, and dedication.

ACCOUNTABLE:
I understand that true accountability means building a unified “we” culture, owning my team’s actions as a leader, holding people responsible, and encouraging growth through learning rather than punishment.