Jay Dulas running for Sheriff position

Throwing his hat in the ring for the position of Waseca County Sheriff this election year is Jay Dulas, 25-year veteran of law enforcement. Dulas, 47, grew up in Steele County, having graduated from Medford High School in 1994. He has resided in Waseca County for many years with his wife, Robin, with whom he has three daughters: Landi, Madison, and Keegan, all graduates of Waseca High School; and one granddaughter. 

Dulas entered law enforcement in 1997, beginning as a correctional officer and dispatcher for the Steele County Sheriff’s Office before serving as a police officer for the Waterville Police Department. In 1999, he joined the Waseca Sheriff’s Office, having been a dispatcher before beginning his current role as deputy.

Dulas says that his availability, experience, and dedication to his job and the residents of Waseca County are the main reasons citizens should vote for him in November. 

“I’m open to and ready for a new challenge [as Waseca County Sheriff],” he said. “I’ve had preparation over the years through experience, training, and leadership development courses. I’m always available - 24/7, 365; I’ve done that for 25 years.”

Dulas’s reasoning for joining law enforcement, he says, was for the opportunity to help people on a daily basis during their times of need. If he were elected, he says he would carry on with that priority.

“[If elected], I would continue to provide professional law enforcement services to the citizens of Waseca County,” he said, “and continue to grow and enhance the sheriff’s office to be able to provide those services to residents.”

One of the main strengths of the Waseca Sheriff’s Office, according to Dulas, is its ability to protect and serve the public.

“The sheriff’s office is well known for doing a great job, having a great department and employees who do an excellent job,” he said. “[I would] continue to provide the training opportunities, equipment, and technology for all employees to perform their duties safely and efficiently.”

If elected, Dulas says he would also continually evaluate operations within the sheriff’s office. Continued communication and collaboration with the employees and other emergency services would remain a priority.

Dulas has been actively involved in the Waseca community for many years, having been a member of the Waseca Fire Department for 15 years. He has been a member and volunteer with various organizations and boards, including being secretary-treasurer from 2008-2012, and a current executive board member of the state Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #16, participating in the local Shop with a Hero event, reading to and teaching preschoolers about safety with the Waseca Family Education Center, member of the MN Police and Peace Officers Association, member of the Waseca County Agricultural Society, volunteer with the Waseca County Sheriff’s Posse events, contributing to mock crash presentations, Farmamerica Safety Days presentations with the Farm Bureau, Bicycle Safety Days, the annual ECFE Childhood Fair, and the Waseca County Insurance Committee. He currently serves as a captain with the fire department, providing leadership and guidance to fire department members.

“I’m dedicated to the Waseca County residents - protecting and serving them,” he said. “I’m focused on building relationships with citizens and employees I work with, and I’m always looking to do better, looking for improvements.”

Dulas has experience assisting with emergencies in the area, both natural disasters and otherwise, through his role as deputy sheriff and as a captain with the fire department, both on and off duty.

“My job as a deputy sheriff is not all I do,” he said. “It’s giving back to the community and being available to the community, whether it’s through the sheriff’s office or the fire department.”

In terms of education, training, and experience, Dulas has an AAS degree from Alexandria Technical College, has continuing education for being a peace officer, completed the state Sheriff’s Association Institute for Credible Leadership Development in 2022 (a four-course, 183-hour training program), the MN Board of Firefighter Training and Education Leadership Development in 2016, Homeland Security/Incident Command Training, active shooter preparedness and response training, investigation and prosecution of child abuse and child maltreatment training, crisis intervention training, mental health and wellness training, and National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) FEMA training. 

“This is a small sample of the training I have completed and I am always looking for continuous self-development opportunities,” he said.

Dulas is also the current Waseca County Crime Prevention Officer, Patrol Deputy Union Steward, and has experience in disaster response, investigating crimes along with interviewing victims and witnesses, coordinating search and rescue operations, and collaboration with other emergency services during natural or man-made disasters.

Some of the awards and recognitions Dulas has received include Waseca County Employee of the Year in 2022, the Waseca County Sheriff’s Office Medal of Valor in 2018, nominated for the MN Sheriff’s Association Medal of Valor in 2018, receiving the Waseca County Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service in 2018, CADA Distinguished Peace Officer of the Year in 2017, an honorable mention with MN Sheriff’s Association Deputy of the Year Award in 2017, and a commendation for response to a violent domestic assault from the Faribault Police Department in 2013.