Two general election candidates are seeking to become the next Champaign County sheriff.
Chad Burroughs’ name will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot. He is the Republican nominee who narrowly defeated incumbent and current Champaign County Sheriff Matt Melvin in the March primary.
Tim Durham is running as a write-in candidate. His name will not appear on the ballot due to his filing after the deadline dates for primary candidates and Independent candidates. Casting a ballot for Durham will require voters to fill in an oval on the main ballot and then write in his name after filling in the oval.
The winner of the November general election will be sworn in as the new sheriff the first week of January 2025.
Burroughs and Durham were surveyed with a list of questions by the Urbana Daily Citizen. The completed surveys appear below, in alphabetical order of surname:
Chad Burroughs
Biography: I am proud to call Champaign County my home. Having been born and raised here, I graduated from Graham High School. My journey began as an undercover narcotics officer, and over the years, I’ve risen through the ranks, holding titles such as Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Major and Colonel. Along with serving in many positions, here and around the world, these roles have given me a deep understanding of the field, making me the ideal candidate for the position of Sheriff. With my strong ties to the community and extensive experience, I am fully committed to serving and protecting Champaign County with an unwavering integrity and dedication.
What are the strengths both inside the sheriff’s office and within the community to be maximized by the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office?
As someone who grew up in Champaign County, I deeply understand and appreciate the strengths that both our Sheriff’s Office and community possess.
Our Sheriff’s Office is full of great people with valuable talents and skills. My commitment to this county runs deep, and I am fully committed to utilizing these strengths and enhancing them for the betterment of our community. By taking advantage of collaboration and leveraging our collective resources, we can create an even safer and more prosperous environment for all residents to thrive and raise their families.
Champaign County holds a special place in my heart, not just because it’s where I was born and raised, but because of its incredible people and sense of community. Their dedication to making Champaign County a better place is inspiring, and it’s an honor to be part of such a wonderful community. I am grateful for their support and look forward to continuing to serve them with integrity and dedication. Together, we can achieve great things for Champaign County.
What are the weaknesses facing local law enforcement that can be fixed or improved?
Local law enforcement in Champaign County faces several weaknesses that can be addressed to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.
One significant challenge is the lack of manpower, which can impact response times and coverage across the county. Additionally, funding constraints can create limitations on resources and capabilities. To address these issues, I believe establishing a mutual aid agreement among local village police departments could greatly improve response times and coverage county wide. By pooling resources and coordinating efforts, law enforcement agencies can better address staffing shortages and ensure more comprehensive coverage throughout the community.
I believe in fostering a culture of teamwork and collaboration within the law enforcement agencies is essential. Working together as a cohesive team not only improves the working environment but also enhances overall effectiveness in keeping our people in Champaign County safe.
We can create a stronger and safer community where residents feel secure in their homes and neighborhoods and that their needs are being met, that they matter. Together, we can address these weaknesses and work towards making Champaign County a better place to work, live and raise families.
What opportunities can be realized by the Sheriff’s Office in the future?
I believe there is always opportunity to grow and serve better. There are a couple of key opportunities I think we could work together on in the Sheriff’s Office to impact our team and community better.
By collaborating closely with other agencies and first responders within the county, we can create a safer environment for all residents. By pooling resources and expertise, we can address challenges more effectively and improve overall response times and coverage.
Also, leveraging new technology presents an exciting opportunity to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Having experienced firsthand the benefits of modern technology and training throughout my career, I am committed to implementing innovative solutions that streamline operations and improve service delivery.
Additionally, there is an opportunity to improve communications between Champaign County Law Enforcement and its citizens. By utilizing various platforms and strategies that have proven effective elsewhere, we can bring greater transparency, trust, and engagement within the community. These opportunities represent pathways to a stronger, safer and more connected Champaign County for all residents.
What specific threats to operations and safety should be addressed to better serve the community?
To better serve the community and ensure safety, I believe there are a couple of specific threats to be addressed.
First, tackling the drug problems in our area is paramount. We can implement proactive measures to combat drug trafficking and addiction to help mitigate associated crimes and safeguard residents.
Second, in the light of the concerning rise in active shootings nationwide, it’s imperative to enhance preparedness and response protocols. This includes investing in additional training for law enforcement personnel to effectively handle such incidents and minimize casualties.
Third, addressing warnings of potential terrorist acts issued by our Government. Collaborating with relevant agencies to assess and mitigate potential threats can help safeguard our community against such risks.
And lastly, improving safety policies for local schools is essential for protecting our youth. This involves implementing comprehensive safety measures, such as increased security measures and crisis response plans. To enhance safety operations, it’s essential to prioritize increasing manpower, provide additional training, and fostering collaboration among police agencies in Champaign County. By working together as a cohesive team, we can create a safer environment for all citizens.
What are your thoughts on the new landscape for legalized marijuana in Ohio?
As a candidate for sheriff, my primary duty is to uphold the law and ensure safety of our community. While I have concerns about the legalization of marijuana and its potential impact, I recognize the democratic process and the will of the people that led to its passage. Actually my focus remains the same regardless – ensuring the safety and well-being of our community within the framework of the law.
Closing statement
In seeking this office, my sole aim is to enhance safety and prosperity in Champaign County. By collaborating with fellow government agencies, we can create a more efficient and effective environment for all. Let’s seize this opportunity for positive change together, making our community and even greater place to live, work and raise families. Your voice matters now more than ever.
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Tim Durham
Biography: First, my personal life. I am 52 years old and a lifelong resident of Champaign County. I graduated from Mechanicsburg High School in 1990, and a 1994 graduate of Wilmington College. Since 2003, I have resided just outside of Woodstock with my wife Kathy, who I have been married to for twenty-six years. We have been blessed with a child; Garrett (19). We are a Law Enforcement/Public Service Family. Garrett works for the Ohio Department of Corrections (O.R.W.) and Kathy and I are both retired Ohio State Highway Patrol Troopers.
In my professional life, I started with the Ohio Division of Wildlife in 1995. I worked in Madison County until transferring to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy on April 10, 2002. After graduating from the Highway Patrol Academy in October 2002, I was assigned to the Springfield Patrol Post. As a Trooper, I patrolled Clark and Champaign Counties. In 2006 I earned the States highest honor, the BLUEMAX Award, for auto theft. I was asked to join the Highway Patrol Academy Staff to instruct new and current troopers, deputies, local and watercraft officers. I returned to the Springfield Post in late 2009 and continued working Clark and Champaign Counties. I transferred to the Marysville Patrol Post and covered Union, Champaign,and Logan Counties in 2020. I was the Assistant Post Commander until 2024. I transferred back to the Springfield Post in late January as the Assistant Post Commander. I continued instructing at the Academy on an as needed basis. I reached retirement age on March 27 and on April 10, 2024 I retired on my anniversary date. I filed paperwork to run for Champaign County Sheriff on April 11, 2024.
In my career, I was 5-time Trooper of the Year, 2-time BLUEMAX winner, 6 ACE awards, Don Gentile Law Officer of the Year, Health and Fitness, Safe Driving award and many others.
What are the strengths both inside the sheriff’s office and within the community to be maximized by the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office?
First, one of the biggest strengths that I will maximize if elected sheriff is our township trustees. The township trustees are the eyes and ears of their assigned area. A member of the sheriff’s office will be at township meetings on a monthly basis. This will open dialogue, not only the with trustees, but the citizens of that township. If you talk to our 12 township trustee officials, they will tell you that the only time they see law enforcement at their meetings is during an election year. Second, the foundation within the sheriff’s office is strong. I know many of these women and men. I will never ask them to do something I have never done or never will do. Their training will be enhanced to levels they have never seen. With community-based policing and establishing partnerships with other county police departments, fire departments, state agencies and local courts, all of Champaign County will benefit.
What are the weaknesses facing local law enforcement that can be fixed or improved?
Simple, recruitment and retention is the biggest weakness of any law enforcement agency in the entire country today. We need to attract and retain qualified women and men to do the job. This process starts at the top, leadership. You cannot always provide higher wages; however, flexible scheduling, training, equipment, advancement, special opportunities, and camaraderie are only a few ways to improve the office. My chief deputy selection, Chris Colbert and I (if elected) are committed to providing the best work environment for our dispatchers, deputies, administrative professionals, corrections and support staff.
What opportunities can be realized by the sheriff’s office in the future?
“12 TOWNSHIPS = 1 COUNTY = 1 FAMILY.” I truly believe in this. If I don’t believe in it, how can the citizens of our county believe in it? As stated, open doors and dialogue are essential to wise leadership, not only in the sheriff’s office, but to all individuals and organizations. Established partnerships with other county police departments, fire departments, state agencies and local courts will provide this.
However, the most important opportunity for the sheriff’s office for the future is this election in November. I have received the best training in the United States. My chief deputy selection, Chris Colbert, has received that same training. My opponent cannot come close. Chris and I have many years of full-time experience. We both have contacts within the law enforcement communities that we will collaborate with to efficiently effectively keep our county safe. These contacts include individuals within local, state and federal agencies.
What specific threats to operations and safety should be addressed to better serve the community?
I would also like to add taxpayers and violators to this question. The single biggest threat to operations is liability. This is a broad area and is why standards, professionalism, and policy and procedures must be in place.
“DAY 1” (If Elected) The Sheriff’s Office needs camera systems/body cameras (BWC/Body Worn Cameras). This technology serves the community in many ways. From protecting the officer, violator, office, county and taxpayer. The cameras benefit both officers and the public. Some keys area includes, but not limited to, evidence, transparency, accountability, training issues, safety and administrative duties. There are many grants available to limit costs for this valuable and much needed tool.
Second, law enforcement must be proactive, not reactive. With relationships with our law enforcement partners, we can accomplish this. With operational planning, we can reduce drugs and crime, fatal and serious injury crashes, increase officer interaction within our communities and transparency of the sheriff’s office.
What are your thoughts on the new landscape for legalized marijuana in Ohio?
Ohio voters have spoken. Ohio was the 24th state to pass recreational marijuana. It has been unlawful our entire lives. We all need to adjust as a culture and to the new laws. As we all navigate through this new landscape, this a big change and is why training and education needs to be placed to the forefront.
We are in the beginning phase of recreational marijuana sales. The citizens must remember, just like alcohol, it may be legal to purchase, but still illegal to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle and drive. Drug Impaired Driving (DID) crashes have been on the rise since pre-covid. With this new law, I also anticipate a rise in OVI arrests, child endangering arrests, and workplace injury cases.
Training on search and seizure and recognizing impairment will be essential to the success of safety. With new testing underway, such as oral fluid testing and marijuana breathalyzers, law enforcement officers must rely on blood and urine testing. The sheriff’s office will invest in officer training to keep up with these new law statutes. In conjunction with local court prosecutors, we will protect all citizens and visitors of Champaign County.
Closing statement:
With the above answers, I would like to close with 3 things.
1) I have the ability to work with the resources available and to work within a budget to keep Champaign County safe.
2) “You are only as good as your people.” I will strive to make the sheriff’s office and our communities the best in the State of Ohio. (1 of 88)
3) Why a write-in candidate: Deadline for Primary Election was in December of 2023. The deadline to file as an Independent Candidate for this November Election was March 18, 2024. A Write-In Candidate deadline in Aug. 26, 2024. I did not reach my retirement age until late March 2024. If I would have left the Highway Patrol any day before my retirement age, it would have been a resignation not retirement. That means a reduced pension and no retirement credentials. It was an easy decision for me to make.
Thanks for all of your support and the many friendships I have gained.
