Joel Shaffett for Mountrail County Sheriff
North Dakota
Joel believes the people of Mountrail County deserve a sheriff who ensures every call for help is met with professionalism, strong leadership, and agencies working together.
learn more about Joel
• 10 Years in Law Enforcement
• Former Deputy — Saline County, Kansas
• Police Officer — Tioga, North Dakota
• Field Training Officer (FTO)
• Former K9 Officer (2 Years)
• Sniper & Crisis Negotiator
• Defensive Tactics Instructor
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• EMR Instructor for Law Enforcement
• Swift Water Rescue Swimmer & Boat Operator
10 years serving in law enforcement
Joel Shaffett has spent the past 10 years serving in law enforcement, protecting communities and responding to emergencies. He began his career as a deputy in Saline County, Kansas, where he served in several specialized roles, including sniper, crisis negotiator, and Field Training Officer, helping train and mentor new deputies entering the profession.
In 2023, Joel moved to North Dakota to be closer to his now wife, and now serves as a police officer in Tioga. During his time there, he also served as a K9 officer for two years, working alongside his K9 partner Izzy to support law enforcement operations and public safety.
Most mornings on duty, Joel can be found in schools of Tioga, fostering the police department's relationship with the community and youth. Joel recently organized and is coaching his daughter's middle school 3-on-3 basketball team
Recognizing the unique challenges of rural emergency response, Joel became an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and is currently helping strengthen emergency response by leading an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) class for fellow law enforcement officers. He is also trained in swift water rescue, including rescue swimmer and boat operations. Joel is currently helping to develop additional rescue services within the Tioga Ambulance Service this spring, which will serve the western region of Mountrail County.
Joel and his wife, Chelsy, were married in January 2025 and live in Mountrail County with their three children. As a husband, father, and law enforcement officer, Joel is deeply committed to the safety and future of the communities he serves.
Joel is running for Mountrail County Sheriff because he believes the people of the county deserve strong leadership, professionalism, and agencies that work together to keep their communities safe.
Meet Joel Shaffett
Now, he’s ready to bring his experience, leadership, and collaborative approach to the Mountrail County Sheriff’s Office.
Over the past several years serving in law enforcement in North Dakota, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside many great officers, first responders, and community members. One thing has become very clear to me: public safety works best when agencies work together.
Mountrail County includes multiple communities and jurisdictions, including city police departments and tribal law enforcement. When emergencies happen, the priority should always be the same
Why I’m Running for Sheriff
— helping people and making sure everyone goes home safe.
Too often, disagreements over jurisdiction can get in the way of that cooperation. I believe the people of Mountrail County deserve better.
As sheriff, I will focus on strengthening relationships between local departments, tribal agencies, fire departments, and EMS so we can respond faster and work together more effectively.
North Dakota has become home for my family, and I care deeply about the communities in this county. I’m running for sheriff because I believe Mountrail County deserves leadership focused on
professionalism, cooperation, and community safety.
My goal is simple: serve the people of Mountrail County with integrity and ensure that when someone calls for help, their first responders are ready to work together.
Public safety works best when departments work together. Joel will focus on building stronger relationships between county deputies, local police departments, tribal law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS so agencies can respond quickly and effectively when emergencies happen.
Stronger Cooperation Between Agencies
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The people of Mountrail County deserve a sheriff’s office that operates with professionalism, integrity, and accountability. Joel believes strong leadership sets the tone for the entire department and builds trust with the community.
Professionalism and Leadership
Well-trained deputies are essential to keeping communities safe. Joel supports ongoing training and joint exercises with neighboring agencies, including partnerships with local, tribal, state, and federal trainers to ensure officers are prepared to work together across jurisdictions. Supporting Deputies with proper training, and support helps to build retention, and ensure quality personel stay in Mountrail County for the long haul.
Training and Support for Deputies
Rural communities often face longer response times. Joel’s background as an EMT and his work training officers in emergency medical response reflects his commitment to making sure first responders are prepared to act when seconds matter.
Strengthening Emergency Response
From rural townships to growing communities, Joel is committed to serving every resident of Mountrail County. His focus will always be on protecting citizens, supporting first responders, and strengthening the partnerships that keep communities safe.
Serving the Entire County
Joel’s Priorities for Mountrail County
✔ Vote for Joel Shaffett for Mountrail County Sheriff
✔ Share Joel’s message with friends and neighbors
✔ Reach out to learn how you can support the campaign
Joel is running for sheriff to serve the people of Mountrail County with professionalism, integrity, and strong leadership.
If you believe in Joel’s vision for safer communities and stronger cooperation between agencies, we invite you to help spread the word.
Together, we can move Mountrail County forward.
Join the Campaign
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Joel began his law enforcement career as a deputy in Saline County, Kansas, where he served in specialized roles including sniper and crisis negotiator. He also served as a Field Training Officer (FTO), helping train and mentor new deputies entering the profession. These roles required discipline, sound judgment under pressure, and the ability to remain calm in critical situations.
Joel later continued his law enforcement career in Tioga, North Dakota, where he currently serves as a police officer. During his time in Tioga, he also served as a K9 officer for two years, working alongside his K9 partner to assist in law enforcement operations and community safety.
In January of 2023, Joel moved to North Dakota to be closer to Chelsy. The two were married in January of 2025 and have built their home together in Mountrail County.
Through his work across the region, Joel has developed a deep appreciation for the people and communities that make North Dakota unique.
Joel’s Story
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Joel believes law enforcement should be deeply connected to the communities it serves.
While serving in Tioga, he was part of the building committee for the Tioga Community Center, helping ensure the facility could serve as an emergency warming shelter with backup generators and other preparedness features.
For Joel, public safety isn’t just about responding to calls — it’s about planning ahead, building partnerships, and ensuring communities are prepared when emergencies happen.
@shaffettforsheriff